Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe

Dive into a luscious dessert that's as classic as it's delicious. Our Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert is perfect for any occasion. With layers of sweet banana, creamy pudding, and crunchy Nilla Wafers, this dessert is a surefire treat for your taste buds.

Photos of Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe

Most ingredients for this recipe are probably already in your pantry. The one you might need to pick up is the banana cream pudding mix - it's usually found in the baking aisle of your supermarket. Also, if you don't regularly buy Nilla Wafers, you'll find them in the cookie aisle.

Key Ingredients for Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert

Nilla wafers: These provide a crispy, sweet base for our dessert.

Butter: It helps bind the wafer crust and adds a rich flavor.

Banana cream pudding: An essential component, it gives our dessert its distinct banana cream flavor.

Cool whip: This adds a creamy, light layer to the dessert.

Bananas: They add fresh fruitiness and a different texture to the dessert.

One reader, Cherrita Boyle says:

This Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert recipe is a game-changer! The combination of the crunchy wafers, creamy banana pudding, and fresh bananas is simply divine. It's easy to make and always a hit with my family. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful treat!

Cherrita Boyle

Key Techniques for Making Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe

How to crush nilla wafers: Use a food chopper or a resealable plastic bag and a rolling pin to crush the nilla wafers into a fine consistency.

How to make the crust: Combine the crushed nilla wafers with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. The crust will become firm when chilled.

How to layer the bananas: Slice the bananas and arrange them in a layer on top of the crust.

How to prepare the banana cream pudding: Follow the instructions on the box of the banana cream pudding mix to prepare the pudding.

How to chill the dessert: Place the dessert in the refrigerator and let it chill for about an hour to set the pudding layer.

How to add the cool whip: Spread the cool whip on top of the chilled pudding layer before serving.

How To Make Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert

Crushed nilla wafers are the base of this cool and creamy banana cream dessert. This is an easy dessert and the perfect way to use bananas.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

45Nilla Wafers,(about 2 cups), crushed
6tbspbutter,melted
1boxlarge Banana Cream Pudding
8ozcool whip,thawed
2bananas

Instructions

Crush the Nilla Wafers.
Spray bottom of pan with cooking spray for easy removal. Add the melted butter to the crushed Nilla Wafers and press down into pan.
Chop up banana and make a layer on the bottom. Mix jello pudding according to directions and pour on the top.
Let chill in fridge for about an hour.
Put cool whip on top and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 354.17kcal
Fat: 21.66g
Saturated Fat: 9.88g
Trans Fat: 0.55g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.68g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.08g
Carbohydrates: 37.58g
Fiber: 1.37g
Sugar: 14.84g
Protein: 3.38g
Cholesterol: 29.63mg
Sodium: 158.80mg
Calcium: 28.08mg
Potassium: 178.03mg
Iron: 1.41mg
Vitamin A: 85.01µg
Vitamin C: 2.66mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert

When crushing the nilla wafers, it's important to achieve a fine consistency. This will ensure a smooth and even crust for your dessert. If you don't have a food chopper, you can also place the wafers in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. This method also allows you to control the texture of the crumbs. Remember, the finer the crumbs, the more compact and firm your crust will be.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dessert Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the crust and banana layer the night before and refrigerate overnight for a quick assembly the next day.

Use instant pudding: Opt for instant banana cream pudding mix to save time on cooking and cooling the pudding.

Quick assembly: Instead of layering the dessert, consider making individual servings in cups for a faster and easier assembly process.

Chilled ingredients: Ensure that the butter, cool whip, and pudding are properly chilled before using to speed up the setting process.

Efficient slicing: Use a sharp knife to quickly and evenly slice the bananas for the dessert.

Substitute Ingredients For Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe

nilla wafers - Substitute with shortbread cookies: Shortbread cookies have a similar buttery and slightly sweet flavor, making them a suitable replacement for nilla wafers in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, providing a similar fat content and texture.
large banana cream pudding - Substitute with vanilla pudding mix with banana extract: Using vanilla pudding mix with added banana extract can replicate the flavor of banana cream pudding.
cool whip - Substitute with whipped cream: Whipped cream can be used as a substitute for cool whip, providing a similar creamy texture and flavor.
bananas - Substitute with mangoes: Mangoes can be used as a substitute for bananas, offering a sweet and tropical flavor to the dessert.

Best Presentation Ideas for Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert

Elevate the crust: Create a delicate and refined crust using Nilla Wafers and butter, ensuring it is evenly pressed and perfectly formed to provide a solid base for the dessert.
Garnish with precision: Slice the bananas with precision and arrange them in an artful and visually appealing manner on top of the dessert, ensuring each slice is placed with care and attention to detail.
Incorporate texture: Add a sprinkle of finely crushed Nilla Wafers on top of the dessert to provide a contrasting texture and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Emphasize layers: Showcase the layers of the dessert by using a clear glass dish, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the banana cream pudding and cool whip to shine through.
Balance the composition: Pay attention to the placement of each element, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors and textures throughout the presentation.
Highlight the cool whip: Use a piping bag to create elegant swirls of cool whip on top of the dessert, adding a touch of sophistication and finesse to the overall presentation.
Add a touch of elegance: Consider incorporating edible flowers or delicate mint leaves as a final garnish to elevate the visual appeal and add a touch of sophistication to the dessert.

Essential Tools for Making Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
Whisk: Used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
Food chopper: Great for crushing ingredients like nilla wafers to achieve a fine consistency.
9x13 inch baking pan: Ideal for assembling and chilling the dessert.
Cooking spray: Used for greasing the pan to prevent sticking.
Spatula: Helpful for spreading and smoothing out layers in the dessert.
Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients.
Knife: Used for slicing the bananas for the dessert.
Electric mixer (optional): Can be used for preparing the banana cream pudding and mixing the cool whip.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe

This dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The nilla wafers will soften over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.
If you want to freeze this banana cream dessert, it's best to do so before adding the cool whip topping. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Label and date the package, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw, remove the dessert from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the cool whip topping just before serving.
If you have leftovers after adding the cool whip, you can still freeze them, but the texture of the topping may change slightly upon thawing. It will still taste good, but it may not be as fluffy as when freshly made.
For best results, consume the thawed dessert within 2-3 days. Do not refreeze once thawed.

Interesting Trivia About Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert

Nilla wafers are a type of shortbread cookie that has a vanilla flavor. They were first introduced in 1967 and have been a popular ingredient in various dessert recipes.

Is Making Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert at Home Cost-Effective?

This nilla wafers banana cream dessert recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option for a family dessert. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering its simplicity, taste, and cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it an economical choice for a delightful dessert option.

Is This Dessert Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The main ingredients are high in sugar and fat, including nilla wafers, butter, banana cream pudding, and cool whip. These foods are calorie-dense and low in nutrients.
The recipe lacks fiber, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals that are important for a balanced diet.
Consuming high amounts of sugar and fat regularly can lead to weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases, and poor overall health.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the nilla wafers with a whole grain cookie or cracker to increase fiber content
Use a lower-fat butter alternative or reduce the amount of butter used in the crust
Opt for a sugar-free or low-sugar pudding mix to decrease the overall sugar content
Replace the cool whip with a lighter whipped topping or make your own using whipped cream and less sugar
Add more bananas or other fruits to increase the nutrient density of the dessert
Consider using a smaller serving size to control portion sizes and reduce calorie intake

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of this dessert while improving its nutritional value. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in treats occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion on the Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe

This Nilla wafers banana cream dessert recipe is a delightful treat that combines the crunch of the wafers with the smoothness of the banana cream pudding and the freshness of the bananas. The layers create a wonderful texture and flavor contrast, and the addition of cool whip adds a light and creamy finish. It's a simple yet satisfying dessert that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.

Enhance Your Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing

Similar Dessert Recipes to Try

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The rich alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: This refreshing fruit salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. The sweet honey-lime dressing enhances the natural flavors of the fresh fruits, creating a light and delicious dish.

Spicy Beef Tacos with Homemade Salsa: These spicy beef tacos are a crowd-pleaser. The flavorful homemade salsa adds a kick to the tender beef, creating a delicious and satisfying taco filling.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and creamy soup that is perfect for a chilly day.

Suggested Appetizers and Entrées to Serve with Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of creamy cheese, flavorful herbs, and earthy mushrooms will leave everyone wanting more.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This classic appetizer is always a hit at any gathering. The creamy, cheesy dip is packed with spinach and artichoke, creating a rich and satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy bread or crunchy tortilla chips.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using thinly sliced beef and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Toss everything together in a savory sauce and serve over steamed rice for a flavorful and nutritious dinner.

Why trust this Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert Recipe:

This nilla wafers banana cream dessert recipe is a delightful and classic treat that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of nilla wafers and creamy banana pudding creates a luscious and satisfying dessert. With simple and familiar ingredients like bananas and cool whip, this recipe offers a comforting and indulgent experience. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to create a stunning dessert that will impress family and friends. Trust in the timeless appeal of this banana cream dessert recipe for a delicious and crowd-pleasing sweet treat.

Want to share your experience making this delightful Nilla Wafers Banana Cream Dessert or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

What is the best way to crush the nilla wafers?

The best way to crush the nilla wafers is to place them in a food chopper or a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they reach a fine consistency.

Can I use a different type of pudding instead of banana cream?

Yes, you can use a different type of pudding if you prefer. Vanilla or butterscotch pudding would work well as alternatives.

How long should I chill the dessert in the fridge?

It's best to chill the dessert in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of cool whip?

Yes, you can use fresh whipped cream as a substitute for cool whip if you prefer. Just make sure it's stabilized so that it holds up well in the dessert.

How should I store any leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, cover the dessert with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It's best enjoyed within a day or two for the freshest taste and texture.