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Cool Whip Banana Pudding Trifle - A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Classic

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix (or banana cream pudding for extra banana flavor)
  • 4 cups cold milk (whole or 2% for the creamiest texture)
  • 1 tub (8–12 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
  • 4–5 ripe bananas (yellow with small brown specks; not mushy)
  • 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (about 11–12 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for lightly sweetening the whipped topping layer)
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, to brush or toss with bananas to slow browning)
  • Crushed cookies or banana slices for garnish

Method
 

  1. Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mixes with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Let it sit for 5 more minutes to fully set. Stir in vanilla extract if using.
  2. Prep the bananas: Slice bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. If you’re worried about browning, lightly toss them with a teaspoon or two of lemon juice. Pat gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Sweeten the topping (optional): In a small bowl, fold powdered sugar into Cool Whip if you like it a touch sweeter. Don’t overmix.
  4. Layer 1 – cookies: Add a single layer of vanilla wafers to the bottom of a trifle dish (or a large glass bowl). You can break a few to fill gaps.
  5. Layer 2 – bananas: Arrange a layer of banana slices over the cookies, keeping a few pretty slices for garnish later.
  6. Layer 3 – pudding: Spoon a generous layer of pudding over the bananas. Use a spatula to spread it evenly all the way to the edges.
  7. Layer 4 – Cool Whip: Add a layer of Cool Whip, smoothing the top without pressing too hard.
  8. Repeat the layers: Continue layering cookies, bananas, pudding, and Cool Whip until you reach the top, finishing with a Cool Whip layer.
  9. Decorate: Top with crushed wafers and a few banana slices. You can also stand whole wafers upright around the edge for a neat look.
  10. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. This allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld.
  11. Serve: Scoop with a large spoon, making sure each serving gets a bit of every layer.