Banana Caramel Cream Dessert

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of bananas, caramel, and cream. This dessert is like a warm hug in a dish—creamy, luscious, and filled with rich, caramelized flavors that melt in your mouth. If you’re a fan of banana pudding or caramel-flavored treats, this recipe is about to become a new favorite in your home.

This Banana Caramel Cream Dessert is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a sweet ending to a family dinner, or simply craving a no-fuss, indulgent treat. The layers of velvety cream, buttery caramel, and fresh bananas come together effortlessly to create a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.

Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No complicated techniques or special equipment needed.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours!
• Crowd-Pleaser – A guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or celebrations.
• Irresistibly Creamy – Every spoonful is silky smooth with just the right balance of sweetness.
• No Baking Required – A perfect choice when you need a quick dessert without turning on the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package graham crackers (about 9-12 crackers)
• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

How to Make Banana Caramel Cream Dessert

This dessert comes together in layers, with each bite delivering a perfect mix of flavors and textures. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that will wow your guests!

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk, mixing until well combined and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped cream to lighten the mixture.

Step 2: Layer the Dessert

• Start by arranging a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Break them as needed to fit evenly.
• Spread half of the pudding-cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out with a spatula.
• Add a layer of banana slices on top.
• Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the bananas.
• Repeat the layers: another layer of graham crackers, the remaining pudding mixture, more banana slices, and the rest of the caramel sauce.

Step 3: Finish with Whipped Cream

Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top layer, smoothing it out evenly. You can drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a beautiful finish.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture.

When ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy the creamy, caramel-banana goodness!

Helpful Tips

• Use Ripe Bananas – The sweeter the bananas, the better the flavor. Avoid overripe bananas, as they can become too mushy.
• Chill for Best Results – While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the dessert to chill enhances the flavor and texture.
• Caramel Drizzle Trick – If your caramel sauce is too thick, warm it slightly before drizzling for a smoother pour.
• Make It Fancy – Top with crushed graham crackers, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even chopped nuts for extra texture.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Banana Ripeness Matters – Use bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas may become too mushy in the layers, while underripe bananas won’t have enough sweetness.
• Chilling is Key – Let the dessert sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb the flavors, creating a cake-like texture.
• Customizable Layers – Feel free to add an extra layer of bananas or caramel for even more flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or sea salt over the caramel to enhance its richness.
• Serving Tip – For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to prevent the layers from smearing.
• Homemade Caramel Option – If you prefer homemade caramel, you can easily make it with sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Let it cool before layering into the dessert.
• Make It Lighter – Swap out full-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, or use Greek yogurt in place of some of the whipped cream for a tangy twist.
• No Graham Crackers? No Problem! – You can substitute vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or digestive biscuits for a similar effect.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bananas may brown slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the bananas and cream filling can change after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of graham crackers?

Absolutely! Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies work wonderfully in this recipe and add their own unique flavor.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is actually best when made ahead, as it allows the layers to meld together. Make it up to 24 hours in advance for the best taste and texture.

What if I don’t have caramel sauce?

You can easily make a quick caramel sauce by melting 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons of water until golden brown, then stirring in 1/4 cup heavy cream. Let it cool before using.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can substitute Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream. However, freshly whipped cream gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

A light brush of lemon juice on the banana slices can help slow browning, but since they’re layered within the dessert, exposure to air is minimal.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Banana Caramel Cream Dessert, try these other delicious treats:

• Bananas Foster Banana Pudding
• Homemade Banana Pudding Cupcakes
• Caramelized Banana Split Overnight Oats

Conclusion

This Banana Caramel Cream Dessert is everything you could want in a sweet treat—creamy, dreamy, and bursting with caramel-banana goodness. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family gathering, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, this dessert is sure to impress.

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