When I was growing up, my mother always had some kind of dessert in the house, just in case we had unexpected visitors. Impromptu company is not as common now, and I don’t know many people who are as prepared as my mother was.  Okay, so I know we are in the middle of a pandemic, but even before this, people would never show up without calling first. With the prevalence of cell phones, a call (or at least a text) is the polite thing to do before dropping by for a snack.

Now that I have a new home by the beach, I am looking forward to a house full of company.  I’m waiting for a time when we can be at ease and not have to worry about where everyone has been. I have to say, the people who live here by the beach are very careful.  Everybody is wearing masks, even outdoors walking around, and keeping their distance on the beach. 

If you are having people over for dessert (and safely distancing), this is a crowd pleaser for sure. This dessert not only looks beautiful, it will make all of your guests happy too. The heavy cream, condensed milk and vanilla pudding mix ensures that this delicious dessert is creamy, light, and fluffy. The vanilla wafers give it a nice texture with added deliciousness, and the vanillas that perfect hint of savory. Each bite is full of banana-filled goodness.  I can guarantee that you will be licking your spoon clean.

This recipe is courtesy of Delish and will serve 10 lucky visitors.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Trifle:

1 1/3 cup whole milk
1 (5.1-oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (12-oz.) box vanilla wafer cookies
4 bananas, sliced into coins
2 teaspoons granulated sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, vanilla pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk.

Whisk thoroughly, breaking up any lumps, and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes, or until set.

In another large bowl, combine heavy cream and vanilla.

Beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes.

Set aside half of the mixture for topping the dish.

Fold remaining half into the pudding mixture.

Cover the bottom of a 3-quart trifle dish with vanilla wafers.

Top with one-third of the pudding mixture.

Cover with another layer of the wafer cookies—you may want to also stand some cookies up vertically, so you see the full circle along the edge of the trifle dish.

Top with an even layer of banana slices.

Continue layering the pudding, wafer cookies and banana slices until you reach the top, ending with a final layer of banana pudding.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight.

Sweeten the remaining whipped cream: Add sugar to whipped cream, stirring to combine.

Just before serving, dollop on top of the banana pudding, then sprinkle crumbled wafer cookies on top.

It’s that simple!