If you have a sweet tooth and love classic Southern desserts, you are going to be head over heels for this Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe. Imagine layers of creamy whipped filling, rich vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers all coming together in one magnificent dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This no-bake dessert is a showstopper for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without stress. Get ready to fall in love with a new favorite treat that brings the best flavors of banana pudding to a whole new lasagna-style experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a creamy dessert in clear glass bowls. The first bowl in the top left has smooth, pale yellow whipped mixture with thick swirls. The second bowl in the top right has the same base mixture with a dollop of white cream on top. The third bowl in the bottom left shows the cream fully mixed in, making the mixture thicker and fluffier, with a white spatula resting inside. In the last image on the bottom right, a woman's hand spreads the creamy mixture smoothly over a brown crumb crust in a clear rectangular glass dish. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe plays a vital role in creating its heavenly texture and flavor. From the crunchy vanilla wafers that add a delightful contrast, to the smooth cream cheese and rich pudding that provide the creamy layers, these simple ingredients combine effortlessly for a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Vanilla wafers: Use a classic 15-ounce box for the perfect crisp base and layers throughout the dish.
Butter (melted): Helps bind the crushed wafers into a crust that’s firm yet tender.
Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks, it gives the lasagna its airy, luscious texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness in both the whipped cream and cream cheese layers for balanced flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the dessert’s rich aroma and depth of taste.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Gives a silky tang that complements the sweetness of the pudding and bananas.
Instant vanilla pudding: Creates a thick, smooth layer that’s the heart of the dessert.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds decadence and sweetness that makes the pudding extra creamy.
Cold milk: Needed to whisk with the pudding mix for perfect consistency.
Bananas (sliced): Fresh, ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and a soft texture to the layers.

How to Make Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Wafer Crust

Crush three cups of vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin in a sealed bag. Mixing these crumbs with melted butter forms the crust base which you’ll press firmly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch dish. This crust is the sturdy foundation that will hold all those creamy layers together beautifully.

Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream

Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream on medium-low speed until frothy, then add sugar and vanilla extract. Increase the speed to medium-high and whip until firm peaks form. This whipped cream brings a light, fluffy texture that balances the richness of the other layers.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Mix room temperature cream cheese with sugar at high speed until smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in two cups of your freshly whipped cream. Spread this luscious, tangy filling over the vanilla wafer crust and pop it back into the fridge to set while you prepare the next layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Layer

Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk and let it thicken for about five minutes. Once it starts to set, stir in the sweetened condensed milk to create an ultra-creamy, dreamy pudding layer that’s going to tie all the flavors together perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the Banana and Pudding Layers

Lay a single layer of whole vanilla wafers on top of the cream cheese layer, then arrange luscious banana slices over the wafers. Pour and spread the vanilla pudding mixture evenly over this layer, creating a smooth surface that’s ready for the final whipped cream topping.

Step 6: Finish with Whipped Cream and Chill

Top the entire dish with the remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate the lasagna for at least two hours — or even better, overnight — to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up. Before serving, sprinkle extra wafer crumbs and more banana slices over the top for a pretty, inviting finish.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

The image shows a clear rectangular glass dish filled with a dessert that has a smooth, white creamy layer on top, likely whipped cream or a similar topping. Scattered over the creamy top are small chunks and crumbs of light brown cookie or biscuit, adding a crunchy texture. Arranged evenly across the surface are several banana slices, each pale yellow with a soft texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with some bananas in a black wire basket visible in the corner. A white plate with a fork is also partially visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices on top is a classic, but you can also add toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. These garnishes not only make the dessert look irresistible but add pleasant texture and complementary flavors.

Side Dishes

This dessert is a perfect ending to a Southern-inspired meal, but if you want to serve it alongside something, light and fresh fruit salads or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness of the banana pudding lasagna.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, consider making individual portions in pretty glass cups or trifle bowls to showcase the beautiful layers. You can also create a mini version by layering in small mason jars for a fun, portable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any remaining banana pudding lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing the flavors to deepen — if there’s any left, that is!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dessert, the texture of the bananas and whipped cream may change, becoming a bit watery upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, do so for no more than one month and thaw slowly in the fridge to preserve as much creamy goodness as possible.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. If you prefer it slightly less cold, just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the flavors gently.

FAQs

Can I use homemade vanilla wafers for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade vanilla wafers will add a unique, fresh flavor and can be crushed just like store-bought ones. Just make sure they’re crisp so they hold up well in the lasagna layers.

What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?

You can make a homemade pudding using cornstarch, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, but keep in mind the texture might differ slightly. Instant pudding makes this recipe incredibly easy and consistent.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt?

While Greek yogurt can add tanginess, it’s much looser than cream cheese, which affects the texture and firmness of the layers. For the best results, stick with cream cheese or try a blend if you want to reduce fat.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are ripe but still firm—yellow with just a few brown spots. Overripe bananas can become mushy and change the overall texture of the dish.

Is this dessert suitable for a crowd?

Definitely! The Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe makes about 12 servings, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or potlucks. It’s easy to scale up if needed and always gets rave reviews.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgic flavors with a fun, layered twist. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your dessert collection. Give it a try and watch everyone swoon over every delicious, creamy bite!