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Creamy Banana Pudding Trifle Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert with Nilla Wafers and Caramel

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A quick and easy creamy banana pudding trifle layered with Nilla wafers, ripe bananas, and caramel sauce. This nostalgic Southern-inspired dessert is perfect for gatherings and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3.4 oz (96 g) vanilla pudding mix (instant or cook-and-serve)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, whipped softly
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 3–4 medium ripe bananas, sliced thinly (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • About 40 Nilla wafers (can substitute gluten-free vanilla cookies)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: sea salt flakes for sprinkling on caramel

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, granulated sugar, and whole milk. For cook-and-serve pudding, prepare according to package instructions and let cool to room temperature. For instant pudding, whisk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix.
  2. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture with a spatula to create a light, creamy texture.
  3. Slice the bananas: Peel and thinly slice 3-4 ripe bananas about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Start layering: Place about 10 Nilla wafers at the bottom of a trifle bowl. Drizzle a few tablespoons of caramel sauce over the wafers.
  5. Add pudding and bananas: Spoon about one-third of the pudding mixture over the wafers and caramel. Layer half of the banana slices evenly on top.
  6. Repeat layers: Add another layer of 10-12 wafers, drizzle with caramel, then spoon another third of the pudding. Follow with the remaining banana slices.
  7. Final layers: Top with remaining wafers, the last third of pudding, and finish with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Optionally sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or sea salt flakes.
  8. Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Serve: Spoon into dessert bowls, ensuring each serving has pudding, bananas, wafers, and caramel.

Notes

To keep wafers crisp, layer them just before serving if making ahead. Slice bananas right before assembly or toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Warm caramel sauce slightly if too thick for drizzling. Overnight chilling enhances flavor melding and texture. For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute milk, cream, pudding mix, and caramel accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, trifle, Nilla wafers, caramel, easy dessert, creamy pudding, layered dessert, quick dessert, Southern dessert

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-banana-pudding-trifle-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-nilla-wafers-and-caramel/