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Decadent Banana Pudding Parfaits

If you’re in the mood for a delightful dessert, look no further than these scrumptious banana pudding parfaits! Layers of silky vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers come together to create a magical treat that everyone will adore. This dessert is so good, even those who typically shy away from banana-flavored sweets will be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Parfait

No-Bake Bliss: Say goodbye to baking! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare this wonderful dessert without needing to turn on the oven.

Visually Appealing: The beautiful layers of this parfait make it a treat for the eyes, ensuring your guests will be blown away before they even take a bite.

Nostalgic Taste: This classic Southern dessert brings back childhood memories while creating new ones for generations to come.

Make-Ahead: Prep these parfaits the night before and refrigerate. Enjoy the convenience and flavors that meld together beautifully!

Ingredients

Ripe Bananas: Fresh and naturally sweet; choose ripe bananas that are not too mushy.
Instant Pudding Mix: Vanilla or banana cream flavor works best for the creamy filling.
Cold Milk: Helps create a smooth and rich pudding. Whole milk is recommended for extra creaminess.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: A luscious addition that increases sweetness and adds richness.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient contributes a creamy texture and a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
Whipped Topping: A fluffy moment that lightens up the pudding mixture.
Vanilla Wafers: These provide a crunchy element that complements the creamy textures perfectly. Feel free to substitute with your favorite cookie!
Whipped Cream: For that finishing touch of elegance.

How to Make Banana Pudding Parfait

These delicious parfaits can be served in charming individual glasses or a large trifle bowl. Perfect for any gathering, they’re sure to bring smiles and satisfaction!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Beat: In a large bowl, combine the instant pudding mix and cold milk using an electric mixer. Beat for about 2 minutes until thickened, then set aside.
Mix: In a separate bowl, blend the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese until smooth. Gently mix this into the pudding mixture by hand.
Fold: Carefully fold the whipped topping into the pudding until no white streaks remain, creating a cohesive mixture.
Assemble: Layer the parfaits by alternating layers of pudding, sliced bananas, and crushed vanilla wafers in glasses or jars. Make sure the bananas are covered with pudding to prevent browning.
Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to let the flavors meld.
Whip: Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Top each parfait generously with whipped cream.
Garnish: Finish by adding fresh banana slices on top before indulging!

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Parfait

Experience this beloved Southern dessert to the fullest with a few helpful tips!

Ripe but Firm: Select bananas that are ripe yet firm to maintain their shape and sweetness.
Chill Overnight: For a delightful flavor fusion, chilling overnight is ideal.
Double the Banana: Swap in banana pudding mix for vanillin to intensify that banana flavor.
Try Homemade: For a truly personalized taste, whip up a batch of vanilla pudding from scratch.
Presentation Tip: Decoratively place whole vanilla wafers around the edges of the parfaits for a beautiful touch.
More Layers: For visual appeal, layer the pudding distinctly instead of mixing in whipped topping and cream cheese.
Banana Drama: Avoid browning by brushing banana slices with lemon juice, ensuring they are fully covered when chilled.
Mix Things Up: Add layers of caramel, chocolate sauce, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

How to Store

Banana pudding parfaits are a fantastic make-ahead dessert, but keep in mind the banana will brown over time. Ideal storage helps maintain freshness.

To Store: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 12 hours. If planning ahead, assemble without bananas and add fresh ones when it’s time to serve.