This quick and convenient Banana Pudding No Bake Dessert combines layers of pudding, bananas, and Nilla cookies for a comforting go-to dessert that is always a hit!A 6-INGREDIENT BANANA PUDDINGThis Banana Pudding No Bake Dessert is easy to make and always a favorite in my house. It layers thick pudding with sliced bananas, cookies and whipped topping. No oven is needed, making it perfect for warm days when you dont want to heat the house even more but need a sweet pick-me-up or when you need a simple, quick prep dessert recipe. When you want all the flavors of banana pudding in a quick layered dessert, this is the one for you!FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:I dont use Cool Whip, can I make real whipped cream? You can. But it will not stay stable for as long as whipped topping. So if you are going to make homemade whipped cream make sure you are enjoying it the same day its made. What size baking dish works best for this no bake dessert? A 2.5 quart baking dish (117-inch or 99-inch) is used. You can also make this in separate serving dishes. What other cookie can I use instead of Nillas? The Pepperidge Farm Chessman cookies would be a fantastic substitute for the Nilla wafers. Shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or even vanilla sandwich cookies make fun swaps. How do I keep the bananas from browning? Make sure theyre fully covered between the pudding and whipped topping layers, and slice them just before layering to keep them fresh. If youre still worried about them browning, you can just leave the ones on the top as garnish off. I dont like the instant banana pudding flavor, can I use something else? I know some people dont like the way the instant banana pudding can taste. To some people, it can taste too fake, which I can understand, but it doesnt bother me or anyone I have served this to but it is something I read in comment sections occasionally. However, if this flavor isnt for you, you can use instant vanilla pudding or cheesecake pudding mix instead. That will remove that flavor completely and youll only get banana flavor from the bananas. Is this a super strong banana flavored dessert? If having too much banana flavor is something youre worried about, there are ways to change things up. As just mentioned, you can use vanilla or cheesecake flavored pudding instead of banana pudding. If you want some flavor of banana but not as much as youd get from the full banana pudding, you can buy banana extract and add that to the pudding (a little at a time) to get the level of flavor you want as well. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Definitely. It really just depends how soft you like your Nilla wafers in this. Everyone I have made this for prefers this soft. It just creates the creamiest dessert. However, if you prefer to keep the wafers crunchy, youre gonna want to serve this shortly after making it. How long is this dessert good for? You can keep this covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.I dont recommend trying to freeze it. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)block cream cheese softened to room temperature. If you didnt set your block out early enough, use these Tips to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly.instant banana pudding grab the larger box and make sure its the correct type of pudding. You need the instant pudding mix, not the Cook N Serve kind. Unfortunately, the stores like to put the boxes right next to each other and they look so similar that its easy to get them mixed up. The Cook and Serve version will not set properly and youll be left with a liquid-y dessert so be sure you grab the correct type of pudding for this no bake dessert. Also, if you dont like this flavor of pudding or would rather lower the banana flavor profile of this dessert, you can try instant vanilla pudding mix instead.whole milk whole milk is going to give you the best flavor (fat = flavor) but you could use 2% milk in a pinch.whipped topping like Cool Whip. It doesnt have to be that brand though, any brand of whipped topping will work. The store brand is always going to be your more affordable option. See my Frequently Asked Question section above about homemade whipped cream.Nilla Wafers above in the FAQ section, I shared other alternatives to use. Again, if you prefer, you can go with the store brand option for this. I will say though, I will use store brands for a lot of ingredients but this particular one needs to be name brand for me. Ive tried many different kinds and Nilla just has the overall best flavor for my tastebuds, but go with that you love!ripe bananas no green on the bananas. You want yellow bananas with a few brown spots on them for the perfect sweetness. HOW TO MAKE BANANA PUDDING NO BAKE DESSERT:In a bowl, add the cream cheese. Use an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) at medium speed to whip the cream cheese until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Set aside.In a separate bowl, add the banana pudding and milk. Use an electric hand mixer at medium speed until combined (or can do this by hand with a whisk)Transfer the pudding mixture to the cream cheese. Use a hand mixer at medium speed until combined. Note: you may need to occasionally stir up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure the cream cheese gets fully combined with the pudding mixture. Set aside.Line a 2.5 quart baking dish with Nilla Wafers. Transfer a third of the pudding mixture on top of the wafers.Layer with bananas.Repeat this 2 more times.Top with whipped topping. Spread evenly.Cover and pop the baking dish in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you leave it in for at least 2 hours the Nilla Wafers will be softer. You can leave this overnight so the Nilla Wafers are very soft.Just a matter of your preference with that.Sprinkle crushed Nilla Wafers on top.CRAVING MORE RECIPES?Banana Pudding Poke CakeBanana Pudding Layered DessertBanana Pudding PieBanana Pudding CookiesHomemade Banana Pudding PrintBanana Pudding No Bake DessertA delicious banana pudding dessert with layers of creamy whipped topping, Nilla cookies, and banana pudding. No oven needed!Course DessertCuisine AmericanPrep Time 20 minutes minutesChill Time 1 hour hourTotal Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutesServings 10Calories 370kcalAuthor Brandie SkibinskiIngredients8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature5.1 ounces box instant banana pudding (the larger box)3 cups whole milk8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip)11 ounce box Nilla Wafers5 ripe bananas, slicedInstructionsIn a bowl, add 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Use an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) at medium speed to whip the cream cheese until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Set aside. In a separate bowl, add 5.1 ounces box instant banana pudding and 3 cups whole milk. Use an electric hand mixer at medium speed until combined (or you can do this by hand with a whisk) Transfer the pudding mixture to the cream cheese. Use a hand mixer at medium speed until combined. Note: you may need to occasionally stir up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure the cream cheese gets fully combined with the pudding mixture. Set aside. Line a 2.5 quart (or a 99-inch or 117-inch) baking dish with enough Nilla Wafers to cover the bottom. Transfer a third of the pudding mixture on top of the wafers. Layer with sliced bananas. Repeat this layering 2 more times. Top with 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed. Spread evenly. Cover and pop the baking dish in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you leave it in for at least 2 hours the Nilla Wafers will be softer. You can leave this overnight so the Nilla Wafers are very soft. Optional: take a few Nilla wafers and crush them to sprinkle on top before serving. NotesPlease refer to my FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.This recipe makes 8-10 servings.NutritionCalories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 421mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 39g