Banana Pudding Ice Cream

This homemade Banana Pudding Ice Cream is full of sweet, creamy goodness! It features cream cheese, whipped cream, and banana pudding mix studded with vanilla wafer cookies and banana slices. Most importantly, this frozen no churn treat is incredibly easy to make! Recipe by Lindsay Autry

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Scoops of banana pudding ice cream in a white bowl

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As you might already be able to tell from the plethora of banana pudding spinoffs on GBC, like banana pudding pie and banana pudding cake, I adore this classic combination! With the summer months fast approaching, I wanted to make a frozen, ultra-refreshing recipe featuring these flavors.

Thatโ€™s where banana pudding no churn ice cream comes in! Itโ€™s sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. And before you think youโ€™re not going to be able to make homemade ice cream, the no churn method means thereโ€™s no need for an ice cream maker or complicated techniques.

Banana pudding ice cream being scooped to serve

Simple banana pudding ice cream

Banana pudding is a classic dessert with roots in Southern cuisine typically enjoyed at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. Iโ€™ve captured all the traditional flavors in this banana pudding no churn ice cream recipe, creating a modern twist on the original. 

Each spoonful provides sweet and tangy notes from the cream cheese and the banana pudding mix. And crushed vanilla wafers add the perfect element of texture and crunch!

Enjoy your ice cream in a bowl or cone, with or without extra toppings. Serve it on a hot summer day and enjoy the cool, refreshing flavors of banana pudding in frozen form!

Ripe bananas, whipping cream, cream cheese, nilla wafers

Ingredients & substitutions

  • Instant banana pudding mix: Adds a distinct banana flavor and creamy texture. If you can’t find instant banana pudding mix, try vanilla pudding mix and mashed ripe bananas.
  • Cream cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the ice cream base. Make sure itโ€™s full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Mascarpone cheese can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Condensed milk: Provides a delicate sweetness and helps create a silky ice cream texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. Vanilla bean paste can be used as an alternative if youโ€™d like.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Once whipped, it adds a light and airy texture to the ice cream.
  • Vanilla wafers: Provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of caramelized flavor reminiscent of traditional banana pudding. If you canโ€™t find vanilla wafers, try graham crackers.
  • Ripe bananas: The star ingredient that brings an authentic banana pudding flavor to this ice cream. Make sure your bananas are spotty for the best results.

How to make banana pudding ice cream

Step 1: Mix the banana pudding

Cream cheese whipped until creamy and soft

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until the texture is smooth and creamy.

Add the instant banana pudding mix to the bowl and beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Condensed milk and vanilla being poured into an ice cream mixture and being folded

Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue beating the ingredients until theyโ€™re fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.

Banana slices being folded into no churn ice cream

Step 2: Fold in the cream and bananas

Whip the heavy cream until you have stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese and pudding mixture with a spatula. Stir freshly sliced bananas into the ice cream batter for bursts of natural sweetness and texture.

Ice cream with banana slices and nilla wafers in a deep pan before freezing

Step 3: Assemble the layers

To assemble the ice cream, alternate layers of the banana pudding mixture, crushed vanilla wafers, and banana slices in a freezer-safe container. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.

Close up of banana pudding no churn ice cream

Step 4: Freeze the ice cream

Cover the container with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and place it in the freezer. Allow the ice cream to chill for at least 5-6 hours, or until it becomes firm and scoopable.  Very similar to the strawberry shortcake ice cream.

Banana pudding no churn ice cream being scooped to serve

Tips and tricks

  • Use room-temperature cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. This will also help create a silky smooth texture.
  • Make stiff peaks: Whip the heavy cream until you achieve stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture. This will result in a perfectly light and airy ice cream.
  • Fold gently: Remember to carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the airiness of the ice cream.
  • Use ripe bananas: For the sweetest, creamiest, most pronounced banana pudding flavor, you must use ripe and spotty bananas!
  • Make even layers: When youโ€™re assembling the ice cream, make sure each layer is evenly distributed to create a well-balanced dessert.
  • Wait for it to freeze: I know it might be tempting to dig in early, but allowing the ice cream to freeze for at least 5 hours will result in a much firmer, more scoopable result. 

What to do with leftovers

Leftover banana pudding no churn ice cream can be kept in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just allow it to soften for a couple of minutes before serving it again.

Banana pudding ice cream scoops in a bowl with caramel sauce poured on top

Additional recipes

If you enjoyed this banana pudding no churn ice cream, here are some more popular banana-forward recipes to try:

Caramel sauce drizzled over banana pudding ice cream in a waffle cone

Frequently asked questions

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant?

It is best to use instant pudding mix for this recipe since it sets quickly and provides the desired texture. I canโ€™t guarantee the same results with regular pudding mix.

Can I use frozen bananas?

I recommend using fresh, ripe bananas since theyโ€™re easier to cut and prepare. However, you can use frozen bananas in a pinch. Just be careful and use a sharp knife when slicing them.

Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the recipe, resulting in a luscious ice cream consistency. You can technically omit it, but the texture and flavor will be affected.

Banana pudding ice cream being scooped to serve

Banana Pudding No Churn Ice Cream

This homemade Banana Pudding No Churn Ice Cream features cream cheese, whipped cream, and banana pudding mix studded with vanilla wafer cookies and banana slices.
5 from 21 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Freeze Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

  • 3.4 oz banana pudding instant mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream whipped to stiff peaks
  • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
  • 2 ripe bananas sliced

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add the instant banana pudding mix to the bowl and beat until well combined.
  • Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
  • Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula.
  • Stir in the sliced bananas.
  • To assemble the ice cream, alternate layers of the banana pudding mixture, crushed vanilla wafers in a freezer-safe container.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 5-6 hours, or until firm.
  • Let the ice cream sit out for 5 – 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips and tricks

  • Use room-temperature cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. This will also help create a silky smooth texture.
  • Make stiff peaks: Whip the heavy cream until you achieve stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture. This will result in a perfectly light and airy ice cream.
  • Fold gently: Remember to carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the airiness of the ice cream.
  • Use ripe bananas: For the sweetest, creamiest, most pronounced banana pudding flavor, you must use ripe and spotty bananas!
  • Make even layers: When youโ€™re assembling the ice cream, make sure each layer is evenly distributed to create a well-balanced dessert.
  • Wait for it to freeze: I know it might be tempting to dig in early, but allowing the ice cream to freeze for at least 5 hours will result in a much firmer, more scoopable result.ย 

What to do with leftovers

Leftover banana pudding no churn ice cream can be kept in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just allow it to soften for a couple of minutes before serving it again.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 703IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Filed Under:  Dessert and Baking, Father's Day, Ice Cream and Frozen Treats

Comments

  1. This ice cream recipe was so delicious! My kids loved making and eating it! Will definitely make this ice cream again!

  2. This looks so yummy! I love how easy it is to make and doesn’t require an ice cream maker. I can’t wait to try it and thanks for sharing!

  3. Wow! This Banana Pudding Ice Cream looks so delicious and very appealing! The texture will definitely attract people! I just love homemade dishes. Thanks, loved this! A perfect treat for the hot weather in my place!

  4. Banana pudding always brings back the best memories of my childhood. This was one of my favorites. I love nilla cookies too…such a treat and delicious homemade ice cream!

    1. You’ll want to use one that can hold around 5 cups of liquid. Keep in mind that the ice cream will expand a little as it freezes so you want some room at the top. You can always separate into two or even three containers if you need too.

  5. Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with delightful banana and vanilla flavors! The perfect Summer treat!

  6. This banana ice cream is a creamy, delicious and decadent treat. The banana pudding adds so much extra banana flavor.

  7. I love how I could make this delicious banana ice cream without an ice cream maker!! It was so easy to make and turned out perfectly creamy and sweet!

5 from 21 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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