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Best Easy Banana Pudding Trifle for a Crowd

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This banana pudding trifle is a simple, budget-friendly dessert that feeds a crowd. With layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and softened vanilla wafers, it’s a make-ahead treat that gets better overnight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box (12 ounces) vanilla wafers
  • 6–7 ripe but firm bananas
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 tub (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crushed vanilla wafers for garnish
  • Optional: a few banana slices for decoration

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix with 4 cups of cold whole milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and whisk for another 30 seconds. Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to fully thicken.
  2. While the pudding is setting, peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. If using lemon juice, toss the banana slices in a small bowl with the juice to prevent browning.
  3. Spread a thin layer of pudding (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of your trifle bowl or dish. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding.
  4. Arrange a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies, using about one-third of your sliced bananas.
  5. Spoon about one-third of the remaining pudding over the bananas and spread gently to the edges.
  6. Repeat the layers: another layer of vanilla wafers, another layer of bananas, and another layer of pudding. Repeat one more time until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
  7. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top layer of pudding. If using crushed vanilla wafers for garnish, sprinkle them over the top now.
  8. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
  9. When ready to serve, add a few fresh banana slices on top for decoration if desired. Use a large spoon to scoop down through all the layers. Serve cold.

Notes

The overnight rest is crucial for the cookies to soften into a cake-like texture. Use cold milk for the pudding to set properly. Bananas should be ripe but firm—yellow with a few brown spots. For dairy-free, use oat milk and dairy-free whipped topping. For gluten-free, use gluten-free vanilla wafers.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, trifle, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser, make-ahead, budget-friendly

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