Banana Pudding Fluff

This creamy and easy-to-make Banana Pudding Fluff offers a delightful alternative to traditional banana pudding. This no-bake dessert salad combines the flavors of ripe bananas and Nilla wafers. Perfect for potlucks or serving in a big bowl, this classic and delicious treat offers a lusciously creamy texture and the nostalgic taste of banana pudding.

Love Bananas? Love Pudding? This easy recipe is where it’s at. Banana pudding fluff is reminiscent of banana cream pie but without all the fuss. Combining the delicious flavor of fresh bananas with creamy cool whip, mini marshmallows, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this new twist on traditional fluff recipes is an absolute crowd-pleaser, especially on a hot summer day. 

This delicious banana pudding fluff is easy to make using instant pudding mix and simple ingredients. It is perfect to make as an easy dessert any night of the week. Serve this at your next bbq; it will surely get rave reviews from all who try it. 

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Fluff

• Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to assemble. By using instant pudding and Cool Whip, you don’t have to make your custard from scratch. In no time, you will have a delicious and fresh fluff salad to serve at your next summer gathering.
• Textural contrast: The combination of smooth pudding, soft bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and fluffy marshmallows creates a party in your mouth. The mini vanilla wafers add a satisfying crunch, while the marshmallows provide a soft and exciting texture.
• Versatile: Banana pudding fluff can be customized quite easily. Some may prefer ripe or slightly underripe bananas for a more intense flavor. In contrast, others may add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
• Crowd-pleaser: This dessert is loved by both children and adults alike. Its creamy, sweet, and comforting nature makes it a hit at potlucks, parties, and family gatherings. Everyone loves this amazing banana pudding fluff.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Instant banana cream pudding mix
• Cold milk 
• Softened cream cheese
• Cool whip 
• Sliced bananas
• Mini vanilla wafers
• Mini marshmallows

How to Make Banana Pudding Fluff

• Step One: Combine the instant banana cream pudding powder and cold milk in a medium mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer on low to medium speed and mix until the pudding thickens, then set aside.

• Step Two: Using the hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth in a large mixing bowl. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and give it another mix to ensure you beat all of the cream cheese.
• Step Three: Mix the thickened pudding over the beaten cream cheese until well combined.

• Step Four: Add the Cool Whip and gently fold it using a rubber spatula. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl to get all the cream cheese that may be stuck at the bottom.

• Step Five: Add the sliced bananas, mini vanilla wafers, and miniature marshmallows. Fold together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Step Six: If you want the wafers to crunch, top them with extra banana slices and nilla wafers and then serve immediately.
• Step Seven: If you prefer the wafers to be softer, place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Garnish with extra banana slices and nilla wafers before serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

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• Medium mixing bowl 
• Hand mixer
• Scraper spatula

What to Serve with Banana Pudding Fluff

Serve as a fresh dessert after a delicious summer meal. 

• Chipotle Chicken Skewers
• Broccoli Salad
• Moroccan Beet Salad
• Cheeseburger Salad

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit variations: While the recipe calls for bananas, you can use different fruits to change the flavor profile. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or peaches can be used as alternatives or in combination with the banana. 
• Pudding flavor: Instead of banana cream pudding, you can experiment with different flavors of instant pudding mix. Vanilla, coconut, or chocolate pudding mixes can add a unique twist to the recipe.
• Cookie substitutions: If you don’t have mini vanilla wafers, you can use crushed graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even ladyfingers.
• Whipped topping alternatives: If you prefer not to use Cool Whip, you can substitute it with stabilized whipped cream or homemade whipped cream. 
• Nutty addition: For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle chopped nuts such as toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the layers.
• Flavor enhancers: Add a touch of pizzazz by drizzling caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon over the layers.

Storage Instructions

This Banana pudding fluff is best made and served on the same day. It is not recommended to store it as the bananas start to brown and become mushy the longer it sits. 

Can I Freeze?

It is not recommended to freeze this recipe as the textures will be extremely compromised. Consuming your creamy dessert salad the day you make it is better. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Thoroughly mix the pudding: Mix the instant banana cream pudding and cold milk well until the pudding begins to thicken. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture to your fluff dessert.
• Soften cream cheese: It’s important to allow it to soften to room temperature before using it. This will make it easier to beat and incorporate into the pudding mixture, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency. Simply allow your cream cheese to sit at room temperature for a few hours before assembling your banana pudding fluff.
• Fold gently: When adding the Cool Whip to the cream cheese and pudding mixture, gently fold with a rubber spatula. This will help maintain the fluffiness of the dessert and prevent the mixture from deflating. 
• Layer evenly: When adding the sliced bananas, mini vanilla wafers, and mini marshmallows, aim to distribute them evenly throughout the dessert. This will ensure that each bite has a balance of flavors and textures.
• Crunchy or soft wafers: Depending on your preference, you can top the dessert with extra banana slices and vanilla wafers for a crunchy texture. Refrigerate the dessert with the wafers incorporated through the mixture to soften the wafers. 
• Chill before serving: For the best results, refrigerate the banana pudding fluff for at least 30 minutes or until the pudding has set and the flavors have melded together. Chilling will enhance the flavor and allow the dessert to firm up.
• Garnish just before serving: If you garnish the dessert with extra banana slices and vanilla wafers, do so just before serving to maintain their freshness and appearance.

What is Fluff?

Fluff is a sweet, fruit-based salad that combines a creamy, airy texture with pops of fresh fruit and other components. Also known as ambrosia salad or a watergate salad, it is often served chilled as a dessert or side dish at gatherings or potlucks. 

What is Banana Pudding?

Instant banana pudding is a pre-packaged dessert mix that allows for quick and easy preparation of banana pudding. It typically comes in powder form and contains all the necessary ingredients, including flavorings and thickeners, to make a creamy banana-flavored pudding.

The main advantage of instant banana pudding is its convenience. Unlike traditional cooked custard-style puddings, which require heating and stirring on the stovetop, instant pudding mixes can be prepared by simply mixing the powder with cold milk and whisking until it thickens. This saves time and eliminates the need for cooking and cooling the pudding mixture.

How to Serve

Banana pudding fluff salad can be served in several different ways. It is equally as impressive whether you choose to portion this delicious concoction into individual glasses or dessert cups or layer the ingredients like a trifle. A good fluff salad can be extremely versatile, especially in serving it. Try it on top of pancakes for breakfast. 

How Ripe Should the Bananas Be? 

The ripeness of the bananas you use is a matter of personal preference. You can use slightly underripe bananas if you prefer firmer, more tart bananas. Ripe bananas will add a sweeter bite with a softer texture, and overripe bananas will have the sweetest flavor and softest texture. No matter what you choose, this fluff salad recipe is delicious. 

Can I Make Ahead?

While you can make this recipe a few hours before serving, it is highly recommended that you make and serve it on the same day. Because it doesn’t require much prep time, it is generally easy to whip up and serve on the same day. 

Can I use Homemade Whipped Topping?

Yes, you can use homemade stabilized whipped cream in the banana pudding fluff recipe. Homemade whipped topping can be a delicious and customizable alternative to pre-made options like Cool Whip. 

Can I use a Different Type of Pudding Mix?

Absolutely! You can experiment with whatever flavors of pudding you like. This recipe is perfect whether you opt for instant vanilla pudding, white chocolate pudding mix, or even a butterscotch-flavored pudding. You can even use your homemade favorite banana pudding recipe instead of the Instant banana pudding mix. 

Can I use Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip or stabilized whipped cream in the banana pudding fluff recipe. Unstabilized whipped cream refers to whipped cream that is made from heavy cream without the addition of stabilizers or sweeteners. It can be a great alternative if you prefer a more natural and less processed option. It can also add a lighter texture to this summer dessert. 

Fluff Salads

• Mixed Berry Cheesecake Fluff 
• Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff
• Tropical Fluff Salad
• Rocky Road Fluff
• Pineapple Pretzel Fluff
• Mango Banana Marshmallow Salad
• Lemon Blueberry Fluff
• Apple Pie Fluff

FAQ

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• Dairy Free Banana “Ice Cream” Recipe
• Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
• Easy Banana Boats
• Banana Split Brownies
• Banana Cupcakes

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