Banana Cream Lush Dessert

This no-bake Banana Cream Lush is a creamy, fruity dessert that delivers all the comfort of banana cream pie without the fuss of crust or oven time. It is layered with graham crackers, silky pudding, sweet bananas, and fluffy whipped topping—perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a make-ahead family treat.

I started making this for weekend BBQs and it quickly became the most requested treat on the table. Even folks who don’t usually like bananas ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• Graham crackers: Used for layering and topping. Choose fresh, crisp graham crackers for the best texture after chilling.
• Bananas: Thinly sliced for a soft fruity layer. Go for ripe but firm bananas for the best consistency.
• Instant pudding: Adds flavor and structure. Vanilla or banana flavor both work. Always use whole milk for proper thickness.
• Whole milk: Essential for setting the pudding correctly. Low-fat or alternative milks won't yield the right texture.
• Cream cheese: Blended into the pudding for a rich creamy base. Make sure it is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a smooth sweet body to the filling.
• Cool Whip: Gives the final mixture an airy texture. You can use homemade whipped cream if preferred—just beat to stiff peaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish with 7 and a half graham cracker sheets. Break them as needed to fully cover the surface.

Layer the Bananas:

Evenly place sliced bananas over the graham crackers to create the fruit layer.

Mix the Pudding:

In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding with whole milk until the mixture thickens and turns smooth. This is your pudding base.

Make the Cream Layer:

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth using a handheld mixer.

Incorporate Whipped Topping:

Add the Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and mix just until combined to keep the texture light.

Combine Both Mixtures:

Fold the pudding and cream mixtures together until fully blended into a silky filling.

Layer the Filling:

Spread half the cream mixture over the banana layer, smoothing out evenly with a spatula.

Repeat Layers:

Top with another 7 and a half graham cracker sheets, then pour the remaining cream mixture on top and smooth it out.

Finish and Chill:

Crush the last graham cracker sheet in a bag and sprinkle over the top. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

Serve:

Slice into squares and serve chilled. The longer it chills, the more luscious and soft the layers become.

Bookmark

The bananas bring a familiar nostalgic flavor while the creamy filling reminds me of summer nights spent with family, passing around chilled slices under twinkly patio lights.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dessert is still safe after that but the bananas will start to release moisture and soften the crackers more than desired. Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Nilla wafers or shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers for a different twist. Chocolate graham crackers also make a tasty variation. You can replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if you prefer less sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert pairs well with coffee or a glass of cold milk. Garnish with extra banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts if serving for guests.

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Cultural Context

Lush desserts, also known as dessert lasagnas, have their roots in American potluck culture. Their no-bake, layered nature made them ideal for community gatherings and warm-weather events when turning on the oven wasn’t ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, an equal amount of homemade whipped cream beaten to stiff peaks works perfectly as a substitute for Cool Whip.

→ How long should the dessert chill before serving?

Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer it chills, the better the layers set and soften.

→ Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, Nilla wafers or shortbread cookies are great alternatives to graham crackers.

→ Can I make this dessert in a smaller dish?

Yes, cut the ingredients in half and use an 8x8 square dish to make a smaller batch.

→ Is it possible to freeze Banana Cream Lush?

Freezing is not recommended. The texture of the bananas and cream layers may suffer once thawed.

→ How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.