Banana Pudding Lush

Do you have a favorite recipe that you, for some reason, never make? That’s how banana pudding is for me. It is hands down one of my favorite dessert recipes. It’s light, loaded with fresh banana flavor, and full of childhood nostalgia. Yet I rarely make it. Perhaps it’s because I’m too busy trying new recipes like this banana pudding lush, which, coincidentally, reminded me just how much I adore the classic recipe.

So what makes a banana pudding lush different from old-fashioned banana pudding? While both desserts feature layers of instant banana pudding, fresh banana slices and cream, a lush (which is also sometimes classified as a “delight”) is denser and richer, with a layer of sweetened cream cheese and a crumb crust. Due to its sturdy structure, a lush is typically sliced into squares and served on a plate with a fork. Conversely, banana pudding is usually scooped into bowls and enjoyed with a spoon.

But don’t worry: Despite the extra layers, this banana pudding lush is still incredibly easy to make. Simply press the crust ingredients into a pan, then mix and spread each filling layer. Finish it with sliced bananas and a cloud of whipped topping. The most difficult part about this easy no-bake dessert is waiting for it to set in the fridge.

Banana Pudding Lush Ingredients

• Crumb crust: A simple crumb crust made from finely ground vanilla wafers (e.g., Nilla Wafers), confectioners’ sugar and melted butter makes a sweet and tender yet sturdy base for the lush.
• Cream cheese: Rich, tangy cream cheese lends the second layer of this dessert structure and stability, so every slice stands tall.
• Confectioners’ sugar: We love using confectioners’ sugar in no-bake cheesecake recipes. The finely milled sugar melts seamlessly into the cream cheese, so the filling is silky smooth.
• Vanilla extract: If you’ve never made homemade vanilla extract, give it a try. It’s easy, and it can even be more affordable than buying a high-quality vanilla extract brand.
• Frozen whipped topping: Cool Whip is perfect for layered no-bake treats like this banana pudding delight. It helps lighten the cream cheese layer and gives it the perfect fluffy finish.
• Instant banana pudding: When shopping for banana pudding, make sure to select “instant” rather than “cook and serve” pudding.
• Dairy: The standard pudding recipe on the box calls for just cold milk. For this recipe, you’ll also mix the pudding with heavy cream, which helps thicken and stabilize the banana layer.
• Bananas: Save brown, mushy bananas for banana bread. For a banana pudding lush, choose firm bananas with a bright yellow peel and slightly green stems.
• Garnish: Decorate the dessert with crumbled or whole vanilla wafers and banana slices.

Directions

Step 1: Make the crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and melted butter until the crumbs resemble wet sand. Press the crust into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the cream cheese layer

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until  the mixture is smooth, two to three minutes. Fold in half of the whipped topping.

Spread the mixture over the crust.

Step 3: Prepare the banana pudding layer

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the pudding mix, heavy cream and milk at high speed until they’re smooth, about two minutes. Spread the mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Crown it with whipped topping

Arrange the banana slices over the pudding layer and then spread the remaining whipped topping on top. Cover the pan and refrigerate the lush for at least four hours (or overnight for best results) until the fillings are completely set.

Step 5: Garnish and slice the lush

Garnish the lush with additional Nilla wafers (whole or crumbled) and fresh banana slices. Cut it into squares and serve it.

Editor’s Tip: Banana slices will brown and oxidize over time, especially when exposed to air. You can slow this process by tossing any banana slices you intend to use as garnish in a few teaspoons of lemon juice. The banana slices under the whipped topping should stay fresh, so there’s no need to toss them in lemon juice.

Banana Pudding Lush Variations

• Try a crust alternative: Vanilla wafers may be the traditional choice for banana pudding recipes, but they’re not the only option. Substitute shortbread cookies, graham crackers, gingersnaps, speculaas cookies, chocolate wafers or even Oreos to make this recipe your own.
• Make a bananas Foster pudding lush: Use a sharp knife to swirl a ribbon of salted caramel sauce into the cheesecake layer. You can even try to create an abstract design. You can also drizzle the top of the dessert with additional caramel, if desired.
• Boost the flavor with Biscoff: Draw inspiration from this Biscoff banana pudding recipe and add a layer of cookie butter over the crust before topping it with the no-bake cheesecake layer.
• Spread chocolate over the crust: Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache over the Nilla wafer crust before adding the cream cheese layer to make a black-bottomed banana pudding lush. You can also drizzle and swirl additional ganache over the whipped topping, or substitute chocolate whipped cream for the Cool Whip.
• Mix in coconut: For a taste of the tropics, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut extract to the cream cheese layer. Then garnish the dessert with toasted coconut.

How to Store Banana Pudding Lush

This banana pudding lush recipe should be covered with storage wrap or a lid and refrigerated when not being served.

How long does banana pudding lush last?

Banana pudding lush will stay fresh for four to five days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze banana pudding lush?

Yes! For best results, freeze banana pudding lush the same way you would freeze pie. Cover it tightly with storage wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store it for two to three months. Defrost it completely in the refrigerator before serving.

Banana Pudding Lush Tips

Can you make this banana pudding lush recipe without Cool Whip?

Yes! If you don’t like frozen whipped topping, you can substitute homemade whipped cream. Just make sure to beat the cream to very stiff peaks to ensure the dessert achieves the same level of stability. Using stabilized homemade whipped cream would be an even better alternative.

How do you get a clean slice of banana pudding lush?

If you know how to cut a slice of pie the right way, then you’ll be able to get a perfect slice of banana pudding lush, too. For best results, make sure the dessert has fully set. Then use a sharp knife to slice the dessert into squares, wiping it clean after each cut. Sometimes, making a small, sacrificial first square in one corner may be necessary, as it gives you space to easily lift subsequent slices out of the pan.