Banana Icebox Cake is a no-bake, creamy dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, banana slices, and a luscious vanilla pudding whipped cream mixture. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for warm weather, potlucks, or anytime you need an easy yet impressive dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake & Easy: No oven required, just layer and chill!
- Creamy & Delicious: A smooth, pudding-like texture with sweet banana flavor.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: Best when chilled overnight, making it great for meal prep.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty treat the whole family will love.
- Customizable: Add chocolate, caramel, or nuts for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham crackers
- Bananas, sliced
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cold milk
- Heavy whipping cream (or whipped topping)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Make the Pudding Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold into the pudding mixture.
- Layer the Cake: In a baking dish, start with a layer of graham crackers. Top with a layer of banana slices and spread some pudding mixture over it. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
- Chill the Cake: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to soften.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with extra banana slices, whipped cream, or crushed graham crackers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4+ hours
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Icebox Cake: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Drizzle peanut butter between the layers.
- Strawberry Banana: Add fresh strawberries between the layers.
- Caramel Banana: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.
- Lighter Version: Use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months for a firmer, ice-cream-like texture.
- Serving Tip: Best enjoyed chilled—no reheating needed!
FAQs
Do I have to use instant pudding?
Yes, instant pudding works best as it thickens quickly without cooking.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Swap out the homemade whipped cream for an equal amount of Cool Whip.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
Toss banana slices in lemon juice before layering to slow oxidation.
What kind of graham crackers work best?
Regular honey graham crackers work great, but chocolate or cinnamon flavors add variety.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better after chilling overnight.
Can I use another cookie instead of graham crackers?
Yes! Vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or Biscoff cookies all work well.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free pudding, almond milk, and coconut whipped cream.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture.
How do I make it extra sweet?
Drizzle honey or caramel between the layers.
Can I add a crunch to the top?
Crushed graham crackers, cookie crumbs, or chopped nuts make a great topping.
Conclusion
Banana Icebox Cake is a creamy, dreamy, no-bake dessert that’s simple to make and incredibly delicious. With layers of banana, graham crackers, and smooth pudding, this chilled treat is perfect for any occasion. Make it today and enjoy a slice of sweet, banana-filled goodness!
PrintBanana Icebox Cake Recipe
This Banana Icebox Cake is a no-bake, creamy, and delicious dessert with layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and a luscious whipped pudding mixture. Perfect for warm days or when you need an easy make-ahead treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (11 oz / 312 g) vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers or similar)
- 3 large bananas, sliced
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy cream (or whipped topping)
- 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
For Garnish:
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices
- Whipped cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Creamy Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- In another bowl, beat heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to make it extra fluffy.
2️⃣ Assemble the Layers
- In a 9×9-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pudding mixture on the bottom.
- Add a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices.
- Spread 1/3 of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with pudding on top.
3️⃣ Chill the Cake
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!) to allow the wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Before serving, top with extra whipped cream, crushed vanilla wafers, and fresh banana slices.
- Slice and serve chilled!
Notes
📌 Chocolate Twist? Use chocolate wafers instead of vanilla.
🥜 Nutty Flavor? Add a layer of crushed pecans or walnuts.
🍫 Extra Indulgent? Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.
🥭 Fruity Version? Swap bananas for mango or strawberries.