How To Make Easy Trifle Banana Pudding

If you are craving a cool, creamy dessert that looks beautiful and tastes like comfort, you will love this easy trifle banana pudding. In this guide on HOW TO MAKE EASY Trifle BANANA PUDDING, I will show you a simple and reliable way to build soft layers of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and crunchy wafers in a tall trifle bowl. Each scoop is silky, sweet, and lightly banana scented. It is the kind of Wafer Pudding Dessert that always disappears first at potlucks and family nights. Save this one. It is a keeper and a great pin for later.

Ingredients

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 ounces)
• 3 cups cold milk
• 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (or 2 cups lightly sweetened whipped cream)
• 5 to 6 ripe bananas, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 to 12 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch fine salt
• Optional garnish: extra wafer crumbs, banana slices, or shaved chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick and smooth.
2. Add flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt to wake up the flavors.
3. Fold in cream: Gently fold half of the whipped topping into the pudding to make a light, Easy Banana Cream Pudding Recipe base.
4. Prep the bananas: Peel and slice the ripe bananas. Pat slices dry with a paper towel to reduce extra moisture.
5. Start the base layer: In a clean trifle bowl, add a single layer of vanilla wafers. This keeps the first layer tidy and adds crunch.
6. Add pudding: Spoon a generous layer of the creamy pudding mixture over the wafers. Smooth the top.
7. Add bananas: Arrange a neat layer of banana slices over the pudding. Try to cover the surface edge to edge.
8. Repeat layers: Keep layering wafers, pudding, then bananas until you reach the top. Press down very lightly to settle, but do not mash.
9. Finish with cream: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the final banana layer. Sprinkle wafer crumbs for a pretty finish.
10. Chill: Cover and chill for at least 2 hours to soften the wafers into a tender cake-like layer. Overnight is even better.

Why You Will Love It

• Simple prep, no oven, and kid friendly to assemble.
• Soft, creamy, and layered with gentle banana aroma.
• Looks fancy in a trifle bowl, but uses pantry basics.
• This is one of those Banana Trifle Recipes you will want to pin for later.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Keep bananas fresh: Use ripe bananas with freckles, not mushy. Lightly pat slices dry. For next day, a light brush of lemon juice helps keep color.
• Banana Pudding With Vanilla Pudding: Using instant vanilla pudding keeps the flavor mild and creamy. Add banana extract for stronger flavor.
• Banana Pudding Supreme: Blend softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold into the pudding for richness.
• Banana Pudding For One: Build mini trifles in jars or cups. Use 2 tablespoons pudding, wafer pieces, and banana slices per layer.
• Ripe Banana Pudding: If your bananas are very ripe, use thicker wafer layers to balance sweetness.
• Banana Pudding Recipe No Bananas: Skip bananas and use banana extract with wafers and strawberries for a fun twist.
• Nila Wafer Banana Pudding Recipe note: Classic wafers give perfect texture, but any crisp vanilla wafer works well.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Wet bananas: Pat slices dry before layering to avoid slipping layers.
• Too much stirring: Overmixing the pudding with whipped topping deflates it. Fold gently.
• No chill time: Resting in the fridge softens wafers and blends flavors.
• Overripe fruit: Avoid black bananas. Use yellow with freckles for best texture.

Serving Ideas

• Simple and pretty: Top with wafer crumbs and banana spirals.
• Party style: Serve in clear cups for grab-and-go portions, perfect for Wafer Pudding Dessert trays.
• Extra shine: Drizzle caramel or chocolate and sprinkle chopped nuts.

Storage

• Cover and chill for up to 3 days. It turns soft and cake-like by day 2.
• Do not freeze. The bananas will darken and cream may separate.
• Add fresh banana slices on top right before serving for best look.

Helpful Links For More Banana Pudding Inspiration

• Easy Classic Banana Pudding Recipe
• Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (New York Classic)
• Super Easy Strawberry Banana Cream Pudding

Quick Flavor Swaps

• Chocolate swirl: Add spoonfuls of chocolate pudding for a marble effect.
• Cookie swap: Try shortbread or graham crackers instead of wafers.
• Pudding flavor: Use banana instant pudding for stronger banana flavor or stick with vanilla for a milder Easy Banana Cream Pudding Recipe.

Easy Trifle Banana Pudding

This no-bake banana pudding trifle layers vanilla pudding, whipped topping, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers into a creamy, chilled dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or family nights. Each scoop delivers comforting sweetness with a light banana aroma, making it a crowd favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Banana Pudding Mixture

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix 5.1 ounces
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch fine salt
• 8 ounces whipped topping thawed, or 2 cups lightly sweetened whipped cream

Assembly

• 5 to 6 ripe bananas sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 box vanilla wafers about 11 to 12 ounces
• optional garnishes extra wafer crumbs, banana slices, or shaved chocolate

Equipment

• Trifle Bowl

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick and smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
3. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping into the pudding to create a light and airy base.
4. Peel and slice ripe bananas into 1/4 inch rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5. In a trifle bowl, add a single layer of vanilla wafers as the base.
6. Spoon a layer of pudding mixture over the wafers and smooth it out evenly.
7. Layer banana slices evenly over the pudding.
8. Repeat layering process: wafers, pudding, bananas, until the bowl is full.
9. Top with remaining whipped topping and optional garnishes like wafer crumbs or banana slices.
10. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight, before serving to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.

Notes

• For richer flavor, blend in softened cream cheese with powdered sugar into the pudding mix.
• For freshness, add banana slices right before serving.
• To make individual portions, layer the dessert in clear cups or jars.
• Do not freeze as texture will suffer.

FAQs

How do I keep bananas from browning?
Use ripe but firm bananas. Slice just before layering and pat dry. If you prepare ahead, brush lightly with lemon juice and chill right away. Works great for overnight Banana Trifle Recipes.

Can I make this without bananas?
Yes. For a Banana Pudding Recipe No Bananas, use banana extract and wafers with strawberries or peaches. It stays creamy and pretty.

Can I use cooked pudding instead of instant?
Yes. Let it cool fully before layering. If thick, fold in a little whipped cream. This gives a rich Banana Pudding With Vanilla Pudding texture.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make a perfect, creamy, and layered banana trifle that always impresses. Whether it’s a Banana Pudding Supreme for a party or a small Banana Pudding For One, this dessert always feels special. Each spoonful is sweet, cool, and smooth. If you enjoyed this recipe, save and share it on Pinterest so more people can enjoy this easy treat!