Description

A decadent and creamy Salted Caramel Banana Pudding featuring layers of instant banana pudding, ripe bananas, Nilla wafers, and a luscious blend of whipped cream and cream cheese, all topped with a luscious salted caramel drizzle and a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This no-bake dessert is chilled to perfection, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or a comforting homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Whipped Topping

2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 containers (8 ounces each) Cool Whip (thawed) – alternative to whipped cream

Banana Pudding

1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 large box (5 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
1 cup milk (2% recommended)

Assembly

1 box (11 ounces) Nilla Wafers
6 bright yellow bananas, sliced (avoid overripe or blackened)
1 small jar (12 ounces) salted caramel topping
½ teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

Prepare Whipped Topping: If opting for fresh whipped cream, in a stand mixer bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and chill in refrigerator. If using Cool Whip, skip this step.
Make Pudding Mixture: Clean the mixer bowl used for whipping. Add softened cream cheese and whip until fluffy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, beating until smooth and scraping sides. Add instant banana pudding mix and incorporate well. Slowly pour in the milk, mixing until fully combined.
Combine Pudding with Whipped Topping: Add 3/4 of the fresh whipped cream or 1 container of Cool Whip to the pudding mixture. Gently fold to combine without deflating the whipped texture. Set this mixture aside.
Assemble Layers: In a prepared baking dish, arrange an even layer of Nilla wafers. Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas and wafers.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of Nilla wafers followed by sliced bananas. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over this second layer evenly.
Top with Whipped Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream or second container of Cool Whip over the top layer smoothly. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
Serve with Salted Caramel: Before serving, drizzle desired amount of salted caramel topping over the pudding, garnish with extra banana slices, Nilla wafers, and sprinkle sea salt to enhance the salted caramel flavor. Enjoy your dessert!

Notes

Use firm yellow bananas rather than overly ripe or speckled ones for best texture and appearance.
Chilling for at least 6 hours or overnight is essential to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set.
Cool Whip can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh whipped cream, saving preparation time.
Adjust the amount of salted caramel and sea salt to your preferred balance of sweetness and saltiness.
This dessert is best served chilled and will keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.