How to make: THE BEST BANANA PUDDING

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: whipped topping

Coconut cream adds richness with fewer calories.

vanilla pudding mix

🥗Healthier: homemade custard

💰Cheaper: instant pudding

Homemade custard enhances flavor without preservatives.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds sweetness with a unique flavor.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: almond extract

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor.

In a large bowl, beat 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.

Add in 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, 5 ounce box INSTANT vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until combined well (this can take a few minutes so be patient for it all to come together.)

Finally, stir in half of the whipped topping.

To layer: place one-third of the Nilla wafers in a layer on the bottom of a trifle dish, large bowl or a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Add a single layer of sliced bananas.

Then pour one-third of the pudding mixture on top (enough to cover all the bananas).

Continue with two more layers.

Top with remaining whipped topping.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours before serving so it can thicken up and the wafers can soften.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens