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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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.
Thatโs where banana pudding no churn ice cream comes in! Itโs sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. And before you think youโre not going to be able to make homemade ice cream, the no churn method means thereโs no need for an ice cream maker or complicated techniques.
Simple banana pudding ice cream
Banana pudding is a classic dessert with roots in Southern cuisine typically enjoyed at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. Iโve 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!
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 itโs 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 youโd 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 canโt 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
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.
Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue beating the ingredients until theyโre fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
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.
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.
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.
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 youโre 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.
Additional recipes
If you enjoyed this banana pudding no churn ice cream, here are some more popular banana-forward recipes to try:
- Banana Pudding Tiramisu
- Banana Pudding Pie
- Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
- No-Bake Banana Cheesecake
- Banana Pudding Pound Cake
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 canโt guarantee the same results with regular pudding mix.
Can I use frozen bananas?
I recommend using fresh, ripe bananas since theyโre 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 No Churn Ice Cream
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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 youโre 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
Can this be made as regular pudding without freezing? Would it hold?
I don’t think so. But, you can try my Banana pudding recipe if you just want banana pudding and not ice cream.
OMG so good! I love this so much. I turned it into a mud pie with nilla wafer crust and it was a huge hit!
It is truly amazing, the taste and texture are spot on! Two thumbs up!!
Thank you so much!
I love how you made it easy for us to follow the procedure for making this recipe. I made it and it is so delicious!
I made this for a dinner party dessert and it was a total hit. Canโt wait to make it again. The flavor was great and it was super easy.
I was hoping to have leftovers of this for the week but it was so good that it only lasted a few days before my kids devoured it.
Great recipe!
What an amzing recipe that can be made so easily too. I tried yesterday for myself, it was so good. Can’t wait to make for my dad and family for Father’s day!
I’m making this again for my next Fourth of July cookout. This recipe is so delish! Thanks for sharing.
I love a good no churn ice cream recipe and the combination of banana pudding in this recipe is absolutely AMAZING!!! So sweet and delicious, it didn’t last long ๐
You combined two of my favorite desserts and I knew I was going to love it. so did everyone in my family, I was lucky to get a bowlful for myself!