Who doesn’t love this old-fashioned childhood treat?! I don’t think any recipe collection would be complete without this creamy, banana, Nilla Wafer dessert! I hadn’t had it many years, and it was still just as good as I remembered! I don’t follow the recipe on the box, though. I suppose we all have our own ways of making it, so I decided to go ahead and share my version!
The main differences that I do, are that I use banana pudding for extra flavor, two boxes instead of one for extra creaminess, and I only add about half the Nilla Wafers that the original recipe calls for. This also makes it so much more creamy!
An extra boost of flavor comes from a little “ripe banana” extract in addition to the vanilla. Still have to have my vanilla! 😉
And since my hubby doesn’t care for meringue, I like to top it with good old-fashioned Cool Whip! Though I love homemade whipped cream, I am only making this dessert for two, and whipped cream just doesn’t hold. I like to just top it and forget it and Cool Whip always works perfectly for that.
Besides topping with the usual cookies and sliced bananas, I like to toss a handful of maraschino cherries on top, too! They add a nice pop of color and who isn’t full of smiles when their dessert is topped with a cherry?!
This is the perfect dessert to take to casual parties, get-togethers, potlucks, picnics and work-related events when you need something pretty and delicious, but just don’t have the time to fuss.
You simply cook the pudding, (don’t use that instant kind), layer, and then chill overnight! I cover the pudding on top with plastic wrap so it doesn’t get a skin, and top with Cool Whip and decorate before serving.
This dessert will stay nice for 3-4 days, too! The bananas on top will darken just a bit, but not get icky. It’s best, though, when served the very next day. You never have to worry about it sitting around too long, though!
Trust me that desserts this good never last long even for just 2 people! 😉 We had no trouble at all getting to the bottom of the bowl! 😉
I’m sure there are literally 1,000’s of versions floating around out there, so I hope you enjoyed mine.
It’s quick and easy enough for the kids to help, yet pretty enough to take to a party!
And the flavor, of course, is just simply amazing! That burst of banana flavor surprises me every single time!
Take care, and have a fantastic day all! 😀
Best Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding Icebox Dessert
Ingredients
Instructions
DanaPNY
Tuesday 25th of February 2014
This looks like a colorful and sweet bowl of heaven Kelly! I'd like a scoop please. ;)
Kelly
Wednesday 26th of February 2014
One of my favorite childhood desserts revamped a little! ;) :D