Are you looking for a dessert that will blow your guests away? Look no further than this delicious Banana Pudding Lasagna! It's rich, creamy, and so full of flavor.
Combining the classic flavors of banana pudding and cheesecake with crunchy layers of vanilla wafers, this decadent treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even the most novice chef can whip up this masterpiece in no time.
Banana Pudding Dessert
This was inspired by my other banana pudding recipe on this site. After making my banana pudding cups, I was eager to try another new take on banana pudding. That's when this dessert lasagna was born!
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- An irresistible flavor combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers.
- The entire recipe is quick and easy to make and looks incredible.
- Perfect for any occasion.
- The recipe is so versatile. So many options. So little time.
- A delicious, no-bake dessert
- Creamy pudding and sweet banana slices for a flavorful punch
- Spectacular presentation for special occasions
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 2 hours
- Can be customized with other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chip
- Great for large crowds
- Irresistible treat that won't disappoint
Top Tip:
2 hours is the minimum chill time, but it's even better when chilled overnight!
Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe, and they're all staples at any grocery store. Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of the post for exact amounts.
- Vanilla wafers
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla extract
- Banana pudding
- Milk
- Bananas
Substitutions and Variations
- Vanilla wafers - Use graham crackers or any type of cookies such as digestive biscuits, Bischoff, Oreos, shortbread cookies, gingersnaps, chocolate wafers, animal crackers, or even pretzels can be used instead.
- Cream cheese - use mascarpone or ricotta cheese instead.
- Go nuts - Adding a layer of crushed nuts, think almonds, walnuts, pecans or shredded coconut, between the cheesecake and pudding layers to add crunch and extra flavor. I recommend toasting the nuts first for best results or using candied nuts, like these walnuts or pecans for some added crunch and sweetness.
- Use crushed vanilla wafers - Instead of whole wafers for the one layer.
- Buy a crust - Feel free to use a premade store-bought graham cracker crust instead of homemade.
- Vanilla extract - Use another flavor extract like banana, mint or peppermint, almond, lemon coconut, maple, or orange extract instead.
- Banana pudding - If you do not like banana flavor, the banana pudding layer can be omitted completely and replaced with more of the cream cheese layer or another pudding flavor entirely.
- Bananas - Use another fruit, like strawberries, or flavor, like chocolate chips, with the bananas or instead of the bananas.
- Add sauce - Add a drizzle of strawberry, chocolate or caramel sauce on top of your lasagna when serving.
Instructions
This is an incredibly easy, no-bake recipe that will have you in and out of the kitchen in a flash. The highlights are listed here, but you'll find the complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.
1: Combine crushed vanilla wafers and butter. Then press them into the bottom of a baking dish.
2: Beat cream cheese and sugar. Then, add heavy whipping cream and vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form.
3: Make the pudding and mix it into the cream cheese mixture.
4: Add half the cheesecake mixture to the crust followed by a layer of bananas.
5: Add a layer of whole vanilla wafers, then the remaining cheesecake mixture, and finally a layer of sliced bananas topped with crushed Vanilla wafers. Chill at least 2 hours.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Store in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Thaw: Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
Make Ahead: This dessert is best when chilled overnight, so feel free to make it ahead of time!
What to Serve with Banana Pudding Cheesecake Dessert
This is delicious with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It's also a fantastic addition to a larger dessert spread at your next party or holiday get-together.
Tips
- Use ripe but firm bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots for ideal flavor and texture.
- To make assembly easier have everything ready to go before you start.
- Create the most even layers possible using a spatula.
- Refrigerate lasagna for at least 2 hours before serving, if not overnight, for best results.
- Allow the dessert to come to room temperature before serving on your counter, about 10 or 15 minutes.
- Have fun and experiment with all of the different ingredients and flavor possibilities.
- Always cover with a lid, aluminum foil or plastic wrap while refrigerating.
FAQ
Yes, you can use a different type of cookie for the crust of your banana pudding lasagna.
The crust is made up of vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter.
The best way to make banana pudding lasagna is by layering vanilla wafers, cream cheese mixture, sliced bananas, and crushed vanilla wafers in a 9x13 baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
An offset spatula will allow you to create even, attractive layers.
Video
More Creamy Dessert Recipes
Do you like cheesecake? Here are some recipes you may also like to try
Banana Pudding Lasagna
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Banana Pudding Lasagna
Equipment
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 2 pkg (11 oz) vanilla wafers
- 6 tablespoon butter melted
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients
- 2 pkgs (8 oz) cream cheese (16 oz cream cheese total)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 cups heaving whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (3.4 oz) banana pudding I used Jell-O Instant Pudding & Pie Filling, Banana Cream, 3.4-Ounce Box
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 5 large bananas sliced
Instructions
Crust Directions
- Place a box of vanilla wafers in a blender or food processor. Blend to fine crumbs.
- Mix vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter with a fork.
- Press mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside.
Cheesecake Layer Directions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
- Add heavy whipping cream and vanilla. Beat until until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat banana pudding mix and milk together until it thickens.
- Add pudding to the cream cheese mixture. Blend together.
Assembly Directions
- Spread half or cheesecake mixture over crust.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas.
- Add a layer of whole vanilla wafers.
- Spread remaining cheesecake mixture over top of vanilla wafers.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas.
- Crush the remaining vanilla wafers into smaller chunks and sprinkle them over top of banana layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, if not overnight, and serve.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots for ideal flavor and texture.
- To make assembly easier have everything ready to go before you start.
- Create the most even layers possible using a spatula.
- Refrigerate lasagna for at least 2 hours before serving, if not overnight, for best results.
- Allow the dessert to come to room temperature before serving on your counter, about 10 or 15 minutes.
- Have fun and experiment with all of the different ingredients and flavor possibilities.
- Always cover with a lid, aluminum foil or plastic wrap while refrigerating.
Russell Merkling says
Is the amount of cream cheese 8oz or two packages.
Karin and Ken says
You’ll need 2 bricks, 8 oz each. I’ll clarify it in the recipe. I apologize for the confusion. Enjoy this recipe. All the best. Karin
Hillary Light says
More of a question. Is the pudding instant or the regular one that needs to be cooked. You mentioned mixing it until thickened. Does regular cooked pudding mix do that with out heating it up? Thanks for your response. I look forward to hearing from you.
Karin and Ken says
I apologize for not being more clear in my directions. You will need 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pudding and pie filling, banana cream. I have updated the recipe. Thank you for asking your question. Enjoy this easy recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do. All the best. Karin
Donna says
LOVE THIS EASY RECIPE THANKS KD FOR ANOTHER WINNER EVERYONE LOVED IT AND I WILL DEF TRY IT WITH AN EXTRA CHOCOLATE PUDDING LAYER AND ON ANOTHER DAY A STRAWBERRY LAYER THIS RECIPE IS SO GOOD THX AGAIN ❤️
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome. I’m so glad you’re enjoying this easy recipe. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. As always I’m grateful for your time. Hopefully you find some other recipes you enjoy just as much. All the best. Karin
Leonita says
Thank you for sharing this
Love this dessert Sunday best
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for your kind words. We love this easy dessert too. I wish I could eat it more often! It’s so good. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. All the best. Karin
Kasey says
Added a chocolate layer of pudding too and this dessert was the hit of the event Thank you for sharing it I will be definitely making it again Keep up the great work!
Karin and Ken says
I bet the chocolate layer tasted great. I’m going to try that myself. All the best and thank you for the suggestion! Karin
Carol says
Love this easy recipe as did everyone else No leftovers and we will definitely make again Such an inexpensive dessert to make Thx for sharing ❤️
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for taking the time to let me know! I love this dessert myself. All the best. Karin