Description
This Salted Caramel Banana Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert layering smooth banana pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla wafers, all topped with a luscious salted caramel drizzle and a hint of sea salt. Perfectly chilled and rich, it’s an indulgent treat with a blend of sweet and salty flavors that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 containers (8 ounces each) Cool Whip (thawed, can be used as a substitute for fresh whipped cream)
Banana Pudding Mixture
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 large box (5 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 cup milk (2% recommended)
Assembly
- 1 box (11 ounces) Nilla Wafers
- 6 bright yellow bananas (sliced, not overly ripe or blackened)
- 1 small jar (12 ounces) salted caramel topping
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: If using fresh whipped cream, in a stand mixer bowl add heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip using the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a separate bowl and chill in the fridge. Skip this step if using Cool Whip.
- Make the Pudding Base: In the clean bowl of the stand mixer, whip softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth, scraping the bowl occasionally. Mix in instant banana pudding mix thoroughly. Slowly pour in milk and mix until fully combined.
- Incorporate Whipped Cream: Add ¾ of the fresh whipped cream (or one container of Cool Whip) to the pudding mixture. Gently fold in until fully combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Layers: In a prepared dish, place an even layer of Nilla Wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over this layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of Nilla Wafers and sliced bananas. Spread the remaining pudding mixture evenly on top. Cover with the remaining whipped cream (or the second container of Cool Whip).
- Chill the Pudding: Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set.
- Add Salted Caramel and Serve: Before serving, drizzle the top with salted caramel topping, add extra banana slices and Nilla wafers if desired, and sprinkle with sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use bananas that are bright yellow and firm, avoid overly ripe or brown bananas to maintain texture and flavor.
- Cool Whip is used as a time-saving substitute for fresh whipped cream but fresh whipped cream can enhance the dessert’s texture.
- Allow at least 6 hours of chilling time for the pudding to set properly and for the flavors to blend.
- The sea salt sprinkled on top balances the sweetness of the caramel and pudding.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead, making it great for parties and gatherings.
