Banana pudding icebox cake combines the nostalgic comfort of an old-fashioned Southern classic with the convenience of not having to turn on your oven. It combines everything you love about traditional banana pudding with the convenience of an icebox cake, creating the perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or just because.
This easy six-ingredient dessert has simple ingredients, but it becomes a creamy, layered masterpiece. The vanilla wafers absorb the pudding, which softens them to a cake-like consistency.
If you think layered desserts are too fussy or time-consuming, this one will change your mind. No precise technique is needed here—just layer, chill, and serve.
I’m always looking for desserts that can be made in advance without sacrificing flavor, and this one is delicious. It needs to sit in the fridge overnight to chill and set, which means you can prep it ahead and not worry that it will turn into a soggy mess.
I’ll walk you through the simple steps to putting this easy, no-bake dessert together and share my best tips. While it looks totally impressive when you slice into those beautiful layers, it’s practically foolproof to make.
Looking for more no-bake dessert ideas for warm weather? Try my recipes for Cadbury egg dip, no-bake cherry cheesecake, or banoffee pie.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Vanilla wafer cookies: You’ll need about 48 cookies for the layers, plus extra for garnish.
- Instant banana pudding: Make sure you grab instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve variety. I don’t recommend sugar-free pudding mix for this recipe as it can affect the texture.
- Milk
- Cream cheese: Let it soften at room temperature for about an hour before starting.
- Whipped topping: Like Cool Whip.
- Bananas: Optional, but good for garnishing the top of the cake.
How to Make Banana Pudding Icebox Cake
- Arrange half of your vanilla wafers in a single layer across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pull out your electric mixer and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Whisk together the milk and instant pudding mix in a separate bowl until well combined. Pour this mixture into your cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Spread half of your banana pudding mixture over the first cookie layer, trying to make it as even as possible.
- Create another layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding layer.
- Spread the rest of your banana pudding mixture over the cookies, again trying to keep it even.
- Top everything off with a layer of whipped topping, spreading it right to the edges.
- Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This waiting time allows the cookies to soften into a perfect cake-like texture.
- Just before serving, garnish the cake with fresh banana slices and additional vanilla wafers.
Serving Ideas
This banana pudding icebox cake is always popular! I simply slice it right in the pan for casual family gatherings and serve it up. But here are some other fun ideas for serving this no-bake dessert:
- Add a fresh banana slice and vanilla wafer on top of each piece right before serving.
- Crush vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top for extra crunch.
- Banana chips make a great garnish that won’t brown like fresh bananas.
- Drizzle with a little caramel sauce for an extra special touch.
If you’re taking this to a potluck or family gathering, wait to add any fresh banana garnishes until right before serving.
How to Store
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the cookies will continue to soften.
This dessert also freezes well. Cover the entire dish well with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- This dessert needs to be refrigerated for at least 8 hours before serving, so plan ahead! I usually make it the night before I plan to serve it.
- Add banana garnish just before serving to prevent browning. You can also use banana chips to garnish since they won’t brown.
- You can use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a different twist.
- Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened – I leave mine out for at least an hour.
- Thaw the whipped topping completely in the refrigerator overnight.
- Use instant pudding mix only – regular pudding won’t set properly.
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Banana Pudding Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 48 vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 boxes instant banana pudding mix 3.4 ounces each
- 3 cups milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounce whipped topping thawed
- Banana slices and vanilla wafers for garnish
Instructions
- In the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, lay out half of the cookies in a layer.48 vanilla wafer cookies
- Use an electric mixer to whip the cream cheese until it is light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the pudding and milk together. Pour the pudding into the mixer bowl and combine it with the cream cheese.2 boxes instant banana pudding mix, 3 cups milk, 8 ounces cream cheese
- Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the cookie layer.
- Add a layer of cookies on top of the banana layer. Then, spread the rest of the pudding mixture over the top. Finish the icebox cake with a layer of whipped topping.8 ounce whipped topping
- Cover the baking dish and refrigerate it for 8 hours or overnight to soften the cookies.
- Garnish with banana slices and vanilla wafers before serving.Banana slices and vanilla wafers
Notes
- This dessert needs to be refrigerated for at least 8 hours before serving, so plan ahead!
- Add banana garnish just before serving to prevent browning. You can also use banana chips to garnish since they won’t brown.
- You can use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a different twist.
- Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened – I leave mine out for at least an hour.
- Use instant pudding mix only – regular pudding won’t set properly.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
