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The Best "No Banana" Pudding Trifle!

The Best "No Banana" Pudding Trifle!

By Mona - Far From The Farm
February 18, 2025
Discover how to make a showstopping budget friendly no-banana pudding trifle that will impress any crowd. Easy and irresistibly delicious!
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Makes: 8 portions
Approximate cost $15
Prep Time 20 minutes
Set in fridge for: 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dessert, Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 637
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5.1 oz Instant Jello-O Banana Cream Pudding Mix - (if you can't find the family sizes boxes 2 of the 3.4 oz boxes will do)
  • 3 cups Milk, cold - (we use 2%)
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
  • 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 16 oz Cool whip, divided - (defrosted for 4 hours in the refrigerator)
  • 11 oz Vanilla wafers - (about 2/3 of the family sized boxes of Nilla wafers)
  • Optional garnishes: crushed vanilla wafers - (or caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, or crushed nuts etc)

Method
 

  1. Beat the cream cheese until softened.
  2. Then add in your condensed milk, milk, vanilla extract and pudding mix - whisk until smooth and combined.
  3. Then fold in half of the cool whip, making sure to make light movements and keep the mixture as fluffy as possible.
  4. In a glass trifle bowl, begin layering: start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of half the pudding mix and repeat once more with another layer of wafers and the other half of the pudding mix.
  5. Top with a final layer of vanilla wafers and then top with the remainder of the cool whip.
  6. Optional: Garnish the top of your trifle with crushed vanilla wafers, a drizzle of caramel, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added flair.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
  8. When you’re ready to serve, use a large spoon to scoop down through the layers, ensuring each serving has a bit of every delicious component!

Notes

  • This recipe is designed to give you classic banana pudding flavor without needing fresh bananas.
  • The instant banana pudding mix provides plenty of banana flavor while keeping the recipe budget-friendly and pantry-friendly.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing so the pudding layer turns out smooth.
  • Allowing the trifle to chill for at least 4 hours helps the vanilla wafers soften and the flavors settle.
  • Overnight chilling gives the best texture.
  • Crushed vanilla wafers make an easy and inexpensive garnish.
 

Storage

  • Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This dessert is best kept chilled until serving.
  • Do not leave the trifle sitting out at room temperature for long periods.
  • Freezing is not recommended because the pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping texture can change after thawing.
 

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Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 637kcalCarbohydrates: 92gProtein: 12gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 506mgPotassium: 444mgFiber: 1gSugar: 68gVitamin A: 703IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 337mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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