I recently tried making this Bananas Foster Banana Pudding Recipe, and wow—it exceeded every expectation! I love desserts that are rich, layered, and full of flavor, but still easy to put together.

This recipe combines the warm, caramelized sweetness of Bananas Foster with creamy banana pudding and a cheesecake-like crust. If you enjoy layered desserts, you might also like this Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust Recipe—it has a similar crunchy base and decadent filling.

I couldn’t resist making it again the very next day, and trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this show-stopping dessert, with tips to make each component shine:

For the Crust

1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs – use fresh crumbs for better texture
¼ cup white sugar – balances the buttery crust
½ cup salted butter, melted – enhances flavor and binds the crumbs

For the Pudding

1 package instant banana pudding mix – the base for that creamy texture
1 ¾ cups cold milk – use chilled milk for a smooth mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened – adds a cheesecake-like richness

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream – fresher cream whips better than store-bought
2 tbsp powdered sugar – dissolves easily for a smooth finish
½ tsp vanilla extract – enhances the sweet banana flavor
You can also enjoy a lighter version with this Mango Mousse with Whipped Cream Recipe if you want a fruity twist.

For the Bananas Foster

¼ cup butter – forms the rich, caramel base
⅔ cup dark brown sugar – gives depth and warmth to the caramel
3 ½ tbsp banana liqueur – optional, or substitute with rum for extra flavor
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract – rounds out the caramel notes
½ tsp ground cinnamon – adds warmth without overpowering
3 bananas, sliced – choose ripe but firm bananas
¼ cup chopped walnuts – adds a crunchy texture

Note: Serves 8 generous portions

Variations

If you want to adjust the recipe, here are some ideas:

Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Use sugar-free pudding and sweeteners for a lower-sugar dessert.
Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Layer crushed pecans or chocolate chips for a twist.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowls – for combining pudding and whipped cream
Hand or stand mixer – for smooth pudding and whipped cream
Saucepan – to cook the Bananas Foster
Baking pan – for preparing the crust
Wine glasses or dessert cups – for serving layers beautifully

How to Make Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

Make the Banana Pudding

First, mix the instant banana pudding with cold milk and softened cream cheese. I like to whip them together until creamy and smooth, giving it that subtle cheesecake texture. This step is surprisingly quick and sets the foundation for a rich dessert.

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then bake at 350°F for about 6 minutes. I love that this crust is versatile—you can use it in glasses or a pan. Break it apart gently before layering for an even base.

Whip the Homemade Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Homemade whipped cream adds so much flavor and structure compared to store-bought. It’s perfect for layering without getting soggy.

Cook the Bananas Foster

Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in brown sugar, banana liqueur, cinnamon, and walnuts. Add the sliced bananas and cook gently until caramelized. I personally love how the bananas absorb the warm, sweet sauce—it’s heavenly.

Assemble the Dessert Layers

In glasses or a serving dish, layer crust, banana pudding, whipped cream, and Bananas Foster. There’s no strict order, so I often switch it up depending on how I want the presentation. Each spoonful has a perfect mix of textures and flavors.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I always use ripe but firm bananas; overly soft bananas make the dessert mushy.
I prefer melting butter slowly to avoid burning the caramel in Bananas Foster.
Mixing cream cheese into the pudding with a hand mixer ensures no lumps.
I chill the layered dessert for at least an hour before serving; it tastes even better.

How to Serve Bananas Foster Banana Pudding Recipe

Serve this dessert in clear glasses or elegant dessert cups for a visual treat. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, extra chopped walnuts, or a banana slice on top. For parties, I sometimes drizzle caramel sauce over each glass for an added wow factor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough idea of what one serving contains:

Calories: 707 – indulgent but worth every bite
Protein: 7g – thanks to cream cheese and milk
Carbohydrates: 90g – mostly from bananas and sugar
Fat: 35g – creamy, buttery, and delicious

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can assemble this dessert up to 24 hours ahead, but add whipped cream and bananas just before serving to keep it fresh. I usually cover glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Freezing

This pudding isn’t ideal for freezing as the bananas can become mushy. If necessary, freeze only the pudding base without bananas, then assemble fresh layers later.

Reheating

I don’t recommend reheating—serve chilled. If you like a warm dessert, cook the Bananas Foster slightly and pour over the chilled pudding before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this dessert is a must-try:

Layers of flavor – cheesecake, banana pudding, and Bananas Foster in every bite.
Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute guests.
Visually impressive – individual glasses make it look like a gourmet dessert.
Flexible – adapt with dairy-free, sugar-free, or nutty variations.
Crowd-pleaser – everyone loves the combination of warm caramel and creamy pudding.

This Bananas Foster Banana Pudding is hands-down one of my favorite desserts. It’s rich, indulgent, and makes every gathering feel special. I guarantee it will disappear fast!

Ash Tyrrell