Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Lasagna
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Graham crackers; 4 cups cold milk; 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup whipped topping; 3-4 bananas, sliced; Additional whipped topping for layering and topping

Posted on August 16, 2025

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy as it is indulgent, you’re in the right place. This Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Lasagna is a creamy, dreamy layered dessert that brings together beloved flavors like vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped cream—all without turning on the oven! Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

Banana pudding has always had a soft spot in my heart. Growing up, it was the dessert that showed up at every family barbecue. But this no-bake version takes the classic to another level, adding layers of buttery graham crackers and creamy whipped topping. It’s quick, easy, and ridiculously good.

The Story Behind No-Bake Banana Pudding Lasagna

Banana pudding is a dessert with deep Southern roots, though its popularity has spread nationwide. Traditionally, it’s made with vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding layered into a casserole dish. But this no-bake banana pudding lasagna takes a creative twist by adding graham crackers to create a lasagna-like structure. It’s a modern and fun way to reimagine a classic!

My first experience with this recipe was at a friend’s summer party, and I immediately had to ask for the recipe. What I loved most was how simple it was to put together, yet it tasted like I had spent hours in the kitchen. The layers of pudding, bananas, and whipped cream almost felt decadent, but the effort was minimal. Ever since, I’ve made it my go-to dessert for entertaining—or honestly, just to keep in the fridge for a sweet treat!

This recipe is also fantastic for hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen. And let’s face it, anything with the word “lasagna” in it is bound to get attention, even when it’s dessert!

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this no-bake banana pudding lasagna so irresistible.

Graham Crackers: These act as the “lasagna noodles” in this dessert. They soften beautifully under the layers of pudding and whipped cream, creating a texture that’s almost cake-like. If you’re out of graham crackers, vanilla wafers or ladyfingers are excellent substitutes.
Bananas: The star of the show! Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly soft. A few brown spots are fine—they’ll add sweetness—but avoid bananas that are mushy. To prevent browning, you can lightly coat the slices in lemon juice.
Instant Vanilla Pudding: The base of the creamy filling. Make sure to use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. You can also try banana-flavored pudding for even more banana goodness.
Milk: This is used to prepare the pudding. I recommend whole milk for the creamiest texture, but 2% works well too.
Whipped Topping: Store-bought whipped topping (like Cool Whip) is a lifesaver here. If you prefer homemade, whip up some heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness and a slight tang to the pudding layer. Let it soften at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest result.
Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese layer just enough without overpowering it.

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. And the best part? Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to grab at the store!

Equipment You’ll Need

One of the best things about this no-bake dessert is that you don’t need fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

9×13-inch Dish: This is the perfect size for layering. A glass dish works well, so you can see those beautiful layers.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for preparing the pudding and cream cheese mixture.
Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make whipping the cream cheese and pudding a breeze.
Spatula: For spreading the layers evenly.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, try using individual cups or jars for a fun single-serving version!

How to Make Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Lasagna

Make the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix and 4 cups of cold milk. Set aside to thicken for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.
Layer the Dessert: Start with a layer of graham crackers at the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the crackers, followed by half the pudding. Add a layer of sliced bananas and then a layer of whipped topping.
Repeat: Add another layer of graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, pudding, bananas, and whipped topping. Finish with a final sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or banana slices for decoration.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your no-bake banana pudding lasagna turns out perfectly every time:

Let It Chill: Don’t rush the chilling process. This allows the graham crackers to soften and the layers to set.
Even Layers: Use a spatula to spread each layer evenly. It’s worth the extra minute to make sure the dessert looks as good as it tastes.
Banana Browning: To keep bananas from browning, slice them just before layering or coat them lightly with lemon juice.

Trust me, these small details make a big difference!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Gluten-Free: Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free alternatives.
Chocolate Variation: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or sprinkle chocolate chips between layers.
Healthier Option: Use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping for a lighter version.

I once added a drizzle of caramel sauce between the layers, and it was a huge hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This no-bake dessert is best served chilled. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for the perfect finishing touch.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. I don’t recommend freezing, as the bananas can become mushy when thawed.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this dessert is more about indulgence than nutrition, here’s a rough breakdown per serving:

Calories: Approximately 250
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 15g

Bananas add potassium and natural sweetness, making this not just a treat but also a source of quick energy!

Conclusion

This Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Lasagna is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s quick to make, doesn’t require an oven, and tastes like a slice of heaven. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it solo on a quiet evening, it’s a recipe that delivers every time.

I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Leave a comment below with your favorite variations or share a photo of your creation on social media. Let’s keep the banana pudding love going!

Happy layering!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors have more time to meld.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

Vanilla wafers, ladyfingers, or even shortbread cookies work well as substitutes.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

Toss the banana slices in a bit of lemon or pineapple juice before layering to help prevent browning.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the bananas can become mushy, and the whipped topping may lose its texture. Stick to the fridge for best results!