Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake is a fun, frozen twist on the classic Southern dessert. With layers of creamy banana-flavored ice cream, vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and a fluffy whipped topping, this no-bake cake captures all the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding in a refreshing and indulgent ice cream treat. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you want a cool and creamy dessert that’s easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake combines the best parts of banana pudding and ice cream into one stunning dessert. It’s rich, creamy, and layered with soft cookies and ripe bananas, all held together with sweet banana ice cream and whipped topping. There’s no baking required, it’s make-ahead friendly, and it’s guaranteed to wow at any gathering. The textures—smooth, crunchy, and fluffy—make each bite a delicious surprise.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Banana ice cream (or vanilla ice cream with mashed banana stirred in)
• Vanilla wafers
• Fresh bananas (ripe but firm)
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
• Sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra richness)
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed vanilla wafers or cookie crumbs (for topping)

directions

1. Line a loaf pan or springform pan with plastic wrap, leaving overhang to help lift the cake out later.
2. Let the banana ice cream soften slightly until it’s spreadable but not melted.
3. Spread a layer of ice cream on the bottom of the pan.
4. Add a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with ice cream on top.
6. In a bowl, fold vanilla extract and (optional) sweetened condensed milk into the whipped topping.
7. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
8. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or cookie crumbs over the topping.
9. Cover and freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or until firm.
10. Remove from the pan, slice, and serve cold.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8–10 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Freeze time: 4–6 hours
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup between layers or use chocolate wafers instead of vanilla.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for extra texture.
• Caramel Version: Add swirls of caramel sauce between layers for a bananas foster vibe.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat ice cream and whipped topping for a lighter dessert.
• Mini Cakes: Make individual versions in muffin tins with cupcake liners for easy serving.

storage/reheating

Store the cake covered in the freezer for up to 1 week.
For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Do not refreeze melted portions, as texture may be affected.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought banana ice cream?

Yes, store-bought banana ice cream works perfectly. If you can’t find it, use vanilla ice cream with mashed ripe bananas mixed in.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are ripe but still firm, so they hold their shape and don’t become mushy.

Do I need to add sweetened condensed milk?

It’s optional but adds extra creaminess and sweetness to the whipped topping layer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Make it the day before and freeze overnight.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

Use firm bananas and cover them completely with ice cream or whipped topping to minimize air exposure.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes, just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

What pan is best for this recipe?

A loaf pan works well for clean layers, or you can use a springform pan for easy unmolding.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free ice cream and whipped topping alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Can I add pudding mix to the layers?

Yes, layering banana or vanilla pudding between the cookies and bananas can boost the classic flavor.

Can I use other cookies?

Certainly. Graham crackers or shortbread cookies are great alternatives to vanilla wafers.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate frozen dessert mash-up, combining all the beloved flavors of traditional banana pudding with the creamy joy of ice cream cake. Easy to make and fun to serve, it’s the perfect centerpiece for summer parties or laid-back celebrations. One slice is never enough—be ready for this dessert to become a family favorite!

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