Banana Cream Parfait
Banana Cream Pie Parfaits with fresh bananas, creamy pudding, whipped cream, and Nilla wafers. An easy no-bake dessert for any occasion.

A Quick Look at the Recipe
๐ฝ๏ธ Recipe Name: Banana Cream Pie Parfaits
โฑ๏ธ Ready In: About 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Serves: 6 small parfaits
๐ฅ Calories: Approximately 300 per serving (parfait only; varies with toppings)
๐ฅฉ Main Ingredients: Cook-and-serve banana cream pudding, milk, heavy cream, bananas, Nilla wafers
๐ฅ Dietary Info: Contains dairy, gluten-free if served with gluten-free wafers
โญ Difficulty: Easy
Summarise and save this recipe for later
These Banana Cream Pie Parfaits have all the flavours of a classic banana cream pie, layered into individual dessert glasses for easy serving. Creamy banana pudding is folded with whipped cream, then layered with fresh banana slices and Nilla wafers for that familiar combination everyone loves.
Theyโre simple to prepare, perfect for entertaining, and ideal when you want a make-ahead dessert that still feels special.
Recipe Highlights โ Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy pudding: Banana pudding layered with whipped cream for a light, fluffy texture
- Fresh bananas: Sliced bananas add natural sweetness and flavour
- Crunchy wafers: Nilla wafers give each parfait a classic pie-like crunch
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings
- Individual servings: Easy and elegant presentation in small dessert glasses

Tips for Best Results
- Cook the pudding slowly: Stir constantly over medium heat until it reaches a full boil to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth pudding.
- Cool properly: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding while cooling to prevent a skin from forming.
- Use ripe but firm bananas: This keeps the slices from becoming mushy and ensures they hold their shape in the parfait.
- Layer gently: When folding pudding with whipped cream, do so carefully to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Keep wafers crunchy: Crush just enough to layer and leave some whole for texture. Add any extra crushed wafers on top just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Serve chilled: Parfaits taste best after at least 1 hour in the fridge, allowing flavours to meld.

Make-Ahead & Storage
- Pudding: Cook the pudding up to 2 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface and refrigerate to prevent a skin from forming.
- Bananas: Slice right before assembling to keep them fresh. For extra protection, toss lightly with lemon juice.
- Assembling ahead: You can layer the parfaits up to 24 hours in advance, but for maximum crunch, add the final layer of crushed wafers and whipped cream just before serving.
- Storage: Keep assembled parfaits tightly covered in the fridge. Best eaten within 24 hours.

Ingredients & Substitutions
- Banana cream pudding: Use cook-and-serve banana pudding mix. Instant banana pudding can be substituted, but adjust milk for desired thickness.
- Milk: Regular milk works best. For richer pudding, use whole milk or half-and-half.
- Whipped cream: Heavy cream is ideal; store-bought whipped topping works as a convenient alternative.
- Bananas: Fresh, ripe but firm bananas are best. You can use frozen thawed bananas if needed, but texture may be softer.
- Nilla wafers: Classic choice. Graham crackers, gluten-free wafers, or other cookies can be used as substitutes.

Looking for More Creamy Desserts?
Check out more of my favourite creamy dessert recipes!
Whip up this easy mango mousse with just 4 ingredients. Itโs light and cream with no baking or gelatin required!
Try our Chocolate Pots de Crรจme โ rich, silky, and perfect for chocolate lovers looking for an elegant make-ahead treat.
Make this fluffy, easy strawberry mousse with just 3 ingredients โ no gelatin, no baking, and ready to chill in minutes!

Banana Cream Pie Parfaits
Yields: 6 small parfaits | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Chill time: 2โ3 hours
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) cook-and-serve banana cream pudding mix
- 2 cups milk (for a thicker parfait-style pudding)
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (or whipped topping)
- 2โ3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 24โ30 Nilla wafers (about 5 per parfait)
- Optional: extra whipped cream and crushed wafers for garnish

Directions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil and thickens.
- Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until fully chilled, about 2 hours. (Image 1)
- Once chilled, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding until smooth and fluffy. (Image 2)
- Slice bananas just before assembling to help prevent browning.
- In each small dessert glass, add a layer of crushed Nilla wafers, followed by pudding, then banana slices. Repeat layers until the glass is full. (Image 3)
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed wafers.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.
Banana Cream Parfait
Banana Cream Pie Parfaits with fresh bananas, creamy pudding, whipped cream, and Nilla wafers. An easy no-bake dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) cook-and-serve banana cream pudding mix
- 2 cups milk (for a thicker parfait-style pudding)
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (or whipped topping)
- 2โ3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 24โ30 Nilla wafers (about 5 per parfait)
- Optional: extra whipped cream and crushed wafers for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Cook
over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full
boil and thickens. - Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly
onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until fully
chilled, about 2 hours. - Once chilled, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding until smooth and fluffy.
- Slice bananas just before assembling to help prevent browning.
- In each small dessert glass, add a layer of crushed Nilla wafers,
followed by pudding, then banana slices. Repeat layers until the glass
is full. - Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed wafers.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
2/3 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 249Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 11gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 347mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 5g
This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.




