Description

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!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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!

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.