Banana Pudding Dip

I was recently at a restaurant that had banana cream pie on the dessert menu, and I couldn’t have been more excited. It’s not the most common dessert, but when it’s on a dessert menu, I can’t resist ordering a slice. I love the pie’s light, creamy texture and sweet banana-forward flavor. This banana pudding dip recipe has all the flavors you’d find in a big slice of banana cream pie or banana pudding but without the hassle.

Thanks to a short prep time, banana pudding dip is super simple to make. It’s a great dessert dip and summer party food to take to warm-weather potlucks. It’s also a simple treat to have on hand when your sweet tooth comes calling. Let’s just say it’s as tasty when scooped by the spoonful as it is when shuttled with Nilla Wafers.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Dip

• Banana instant pudding: Be sure to use instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve variety.
• Milk: Cold milk is blended with the instant pudding mix, and the mixture thickens within a few minutes. You can use 1%, 2% or whole milk.
• Frozen whipped topping: The addition of a frozen whipped topping such as Cool Whip gives the dip a light and airy texture. Allow the whipped topping to thaw in the refrigerator for at least four hours before making the dip.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the dip.
• Bananas: We thinly slice and then halve the slices of fresh banana to mix into the dip so that there is plenty of banana flavor throughout without huge chunks of fruit. Additionally, sliced banana garnishes the dip before serving.
• Lime juice: Toss the halved banana slices with fresh lime juice before mixing them into the dip to help prevent the banana pieces from browning too quickly.
• Nilla Wafers: Crumbled Nilla Wafers are used as a topping.
• Dippers: Serve the dip alongside a selection of dippers, including Nilla Wafers, graham crackers and fresh fruit.

Directions

Step 1: Make the pudding

Combine the pudding mix and milk, and whisk for two minutes in a large bowl. Let sit for five minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Add the whipped topping

Gently fold in the whipped topping.

Step 3: Stir in the banana

In a separate bowl, combine the banana pieces and lime juice.

Then, stir the bananas into the pudding mixture. Transfer to a serving dish and cover. Refrigerate for at least four hours before serving.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Just before serving, garnish with the crumbled Nilla Wafers and banana slices. Serve with whole Nilla Wafers for dipping.

Banana Pudding Dip Variations

• Sprinkle in some spice: Stir in or sprinkle the top of the dip with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger.
• Stir in a little chocolate: Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to add a rich chocolaty flavor to the dip. Alternatively, crumble chocolate wafer cookies over the top of the dip.
• Add cream cheese: For a little tang to balance the sweetness of the dip, add a brick of softened plain cream cheese to the pudding before folding in the whipped topping. Use a hand-held electric mixer to beat in the cream cheese to achieve a smooth texture.

How to Store Banana Pudding Dip

Store any leftover banana pudding dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does banana pudding dip last?

Banana pudding dip will last up to four days when stored in the fridge. Note, the bananas will brown over time, though the flavor will not be affected.

Banana Pudding Dip Tips

What can you serve with banana pudding dip?

Serve this banana pudding dip recipe alongside Nilla Wafers, graham crackers, chocolate wafers, and a selection of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, halved grapes, sliced kiwi, apples and pineapple spears.