Salted Caramel Banana Pudding

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Salted Caramel Banana Pudding is an easy no-bake treat with layers of fresh pudding, bananas, Nilla wafers, and caramel sauce.

Are you ready for a dessert that hits all the right notes? My Salted Caramel Banana Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary masterpiece that elevates classic banana pudding to new heights of indulgence. This no-bake caramel banana pudding takes the classic Southern favorite and gives it an irresistible upgrade. Each layer is carefully crafted with a balance of sweet and salty, and creamy and crunchy. With its rich caramel undertones and velvety banana pudding, this recipe is a celebration of all things delicious. You may need to take it easy at dinner because you’ll want a second helping of this!

You’ll love how easy it is to make (no baking required!) and how beautifully it serves for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday dinner. Each spoonful delivers silky pudding, soft bananas, and a hint of caramel that melts into the cookies for a dreamy, crave-worthy dessert that’s always a crowd favorite. Whether you make it with homemade whipped cream or keep it simple with Cool Whip, it’s pure dessert bliss from start to finish.

SALTED CARAMEL BANANA PUDDING

At the heart of this recipe lies the creamy pudding, made with a luscious combination of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and instant banana pudding mix. Fresh whipped cream is also added, creating billowy peaks of sweetness that will envelop each bite with a cloud-like texture. What truly sets this banana pudding apart is the addition of salted caramel, which adds a layer of complexity and depth to the dessert. The caramel topping, generously drizzled over the top of the pudding, adds a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy pudding and fresh bananas. And the sprinkle of sea salt adds a touch of savory sophistication, balancing out the sweetness of the caramel and adding a tantalizing contrast of flavors.

Find my expert tips below on how to make salted caramel banana pudding from scratch below! Don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook @lifeinthelofthouse.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Salted Caramel Banana Pudding Recipe:

No-Bake Dessert: Simple ingredients and no oven time make this the ultimate fuss-free dessert for any holiday or occasion. I love to make it in the fall!
Sweet & Salty Flavors: This recipe takes traditional banana pudding and elevates it with a rich drizzle of salted caramel. The perfect balance of creamy sweetness and a hint of salt.
Creamy, Dreamy Layers: Every bite has silky banana pudding, fluffy whipped topping, buttery Nilla wafers, and fresh banana slices that melt together.
Perfect For Sharing: Whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or family dinner, this pudding looks stunning in a dish and always disappears fast!
Customizable: Use homemade whipped cream for an elevated touch or Cool Whip for a quick and easy shortcut. Both taste amazing.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors taste even better as they chill, so it’s perfect for prepping a day in advance for parties or gatherings. It’s the perfect dessert to make the night before.

Ingredients

Whipped Topping

2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*OR 2 containers (8 ounces, each) Cool Whip, thawed

Banana Pudding

1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 large box (5 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
1 cup milk (I use 2%)
1 box (11 ounces) Nilla Wafers
7 medium bright yellow bananas, sliced (don’t use too ripe or blackened bananas.)

Salted Caramel

1 small jar (12 ounces) salted caramel topping
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

For The Whipped Topping

(If using Cool Whip, skip this step)

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using the whisk attachment, whip until stiff peaks form. This takes around 5 minutes. Transfer the fresh whipped cream to a separate bowl and place it in the fridge. Clean the bowl that was used to make the whipped cream.

For The Banana Pudding

To the clean stand mixer bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Whip until fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese. Beat until smooth, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl a few times. Add the dry pudding mix and mix well. Slowly pour in the milk and continue to mix until combined.

Add 3/4 of the fresh whipped cream (OR 1 container of Cool Whip) to the pudding mixture. Gently fold it in until fully combined. Set aside.

Place one even layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the wafers with one layer of sliced bananas. Spread only half of the pudding mixture evenly over the top of the bananas and wafers.

Repeat another layer of Nilla wafers and sliced bananas. Top with the remaining pudding, spreading it out evenly. Spread the remaining whipped cream (Or 1 container of Cool Whip) evenly over the top. Cover and place in the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, drizzle with desired amounts of salted caramel topping, more banana slices, crushed wafers, and sea salt. Serve and enjoy!

Servings

This recipe yields 10 servings of pure indulgence, making it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. With its ample portion size, this dessert ensures there’s plenty to go around, allowing everyone to indulge in its delightful flavors and textures.

Storage

To preserve the delectable flavors and creamy texture of this dessert, proper storage is essential. After preparing and assembling the dessert, cover the baking dish securely with a lid, plastic wrap, or foil to protect it from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors from the refrigerator. Place the covered dish in the fridge and allow it to chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving. Be aware that this yummy treat is best served within 24 to 48 hours because bananas tend to brown fast.

Dessert Presentation

For a convenient and customizable dessert experience, consider adapting this recipe to suit your preferences. While the traditional method involves layering the ingredients in a 9×13-inch baking dish, you can easily customize the presentation by assembling the dessert in individual serving cups or glasses. Simply layer the Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, pudding mixture, and whipped cream in each cup, repeating the layers as desired to create individualized portions.

Alternatively, you can prepare the entire dessert in a single large trifle dish or serving bowl, creating a stunning centerpiece for any occasion. Whether served in individual cups or presented in a larger dish, this is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and creamy texture, making it a delightful dessert option for any occasion.

Holly’s Tips for The Best No-Bake Salted Caramel Banana Pudding:

Just-Ripe Bananas Work Best: Choose bright yellow bananas with no brown spots. Overripe bananas can make the pudding mushy and overly sweet.
Whip the Cream Until Stiff Peaks Form: If making homemade whipped topping, beat just until stiff peaks appear. Over-whipping can cause the cream to curdle or turn grainy.
Soften The Cream Cheese Properly: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free pudding base.
Fold Gently For A Light Texture: When combining the whipped cream (or Cool Whip) with the pudding mixture, fold slowly and gently. Overmixing will deflate the air and make the pudding heavy.
Layer Evenly: Spread the pudding mixture evenly between each layer of bananas and Nilla wafers for a neat, bakery-style look.
Don’t Skip The Chill Time: Refrigerating for at least 6 hours (or overnight) lets the cookies soften and the flavors meld together. That’s what makes it so creamy and dreamy!
Warm the Caramel Slightly Before Drizzling: Heating the salted caramel topping for a few seconds in the microwave makes it easier to drizzle beautifully over the chilled pudding.
Garnish With Sea Salt For Extra Flavor: Just before serving, add a light pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor and add that irresistible sweet-salty crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is best made ahead so the layers can set and the cookies soften. Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving for the creamiest texture.

What’s the best caramel to use?

Any thick, jarred salted caramel sauce works beautifully. If it’s too thick to drizzle, microwave it for a few seconds until smooth and pourable.

Do I have to use instant pudding mix?

Yes, instant pudding is key for the right texture. Cook-and-serve pudding won’t set properly in this no-bake dessert.

How can I make Salted Caramel Banana Pudding dairy-free?

To make Salted Caramel Banana Pudding dairy-free, simply swap the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives. Use a dairy-free whipped topping (like So Delicious CocoWhip or whipped coconut cream), dairy-free cream cheese (such as Kite Hill or Violife), and sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of the traditional version. Substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and finish with a vegan caramel sauce or homemade coconut caramel. Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight for the perfect creamy, set texture.

How can I make Salted Caramel Banana Pudding gluten-free?

To make Salted Caramel Banana Pudding gluten-free, replace the cookies. Use gluten-free vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or graham crackers instead of Nilla Wafers. Most instant pudding mixes are gluten-free, but double-check the label to be sure. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Assemble and chill as directed for a delicious, creamy gluten-free version of this Southern staple dessert.

Similar Recipes

Craving something similar? My Banana Cream Pie Dessert is just as delicious.

Searching for something different? My Chocolate Chip Banana Cake is another great way to use up bananas sitting on your counter.

Looking for more banana treats? My Banana Cream Pie Cheesecake features creamy banana filling, buttery graham crust, and whipped topping.

Can’t get enough of salted caramel dessert? My Salted Caramel Rice Krispies and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are both popular desserts in the fall.

Have you made this Salted Caramel Banana Pudding recipe? 🍌
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #FallDessert #SaltedCaramelBananaPudding #LifeInTheLofthouse

Salted Caramel Banana Pudding

Layers of fresh pudding, bananas, Nilla wafers and caramel sauce. This is a no-bake dessert that will be requested often!

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Prep Time: 6 30

Servings: