During the summer I try to avoid spending too much time in my kitchen. That’s where trifles come in, especially this banana pudding trifle!

It comes together so quickly, and is made with delicious layers of fresh bananas, sweet vanilla pudding, chopped vanilla wafers and whipped cream.

What Is Banana Pudding?

Before we dive into how to make this banana pudding trifle, let’s talk about what banana pudding actually is. A lot of people think it’s made with banana-flavored pudding, but that’s not the case!

Banana pudding is usually made with layers of sweet vanilla custard or pudding, vanilla wafers or lady fingers, slices of fresh bananas and whipped cream.

While the name might make you think this dessert is full with banana flavor, it really just has a hint of it from the fresh slices of banana. It’s just enough to give it a subtle, delicious banana flavor.

Banana Pudding Trifle Ingredients & Substitutions:

This banana trifle recipe doesn’t use a ton ingredients but I know you might not have all of them on hand.

Or if you have food allergies or restrictions, I’ve got you covered. Below are some swaps and substitutions that you can make:

• Sweetened condensed milk – I use the canned kind, but if you have a dairy allergy you can make your own vegan condensed milk.
• Vanilla Pudding Mix – Any vanilla pudding mix should work for this! Just be sure to get a 3.4 oz. sized box.
• Vanilla Wafers – I use mini Nilla wafers for easy layering, but any brand or even vegan vanilla wafers will work great.
• Whipped Cream – If you don’t have time to make the whipped cream from scratch or you have a dairy allergy, use cool whip instead.
• Slices Bananas – Fresh sliced bananas are a non-negotiable in this recipe. Use large, ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the more flavor it’ll add to your banana pudding!

Using Different Sized Trifle Dishes

The quantities in this recipe are based on a trifle dish that is 8 inches in diameter.

You can also make individual trifles in stemless wine glasses or small plastic for easy serving! The number of individual trifles you can make will vary based on the size of your cups.

Why Trifles are the Perfect Make Ahead Dessert

When you’re able to beautifully layer your ingredients in a trifle dish, you don’t have to spend much extra time on the decoration of the dessert.

As long as you create even layers of filling, your trifle will be a work of art by the time you finish.

Trifles are also great make ahead desserts and can easily be made in advance. Just be sure to fully cover the trifle with plastic wrap to make sure it’s protected in your fridge.

Tips for Making the Best Banana Pudding Trifle

• Toss the banana slices with squeeze of fresh lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
• Carefully spoon and smooth the layers of pudding and whipped cream with an offset spatula to give your trifle a gorgeous finished look.
• If you have time, make the whipped cream from scratch. It only takes a few minutes to make and tastes so amazing!!
• If you’re short on time just use creamy cool whip! It has a nice consistency and also works great in this recipe.
• While making the trifle, get down at eye level with the trifle dish or glasses to make sure the layers are even and the roughly same thickness.

Making this Banana Pudding Trifle in Advance & Storage Tips

• Make this trifle in advance to make life easier! It can easily be made a day or two before an event or party. Wrap the top of the trifle container with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
• Wait to garnish the top of the trifle until right before you plan to serve it.
• Leftover trifle can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days if tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. After that the whipped cream will lose its shape.

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Let Me Know What You Think!

If you try this banana pudding trifle recipe, please tag me @chelsweets and use #chelsweets so that I can see your baking!