Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the banana pudding cream
- Whisk the instant banana pudding mix with the whole milk for 2 minutes until thickened, with a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
- Fold the whipped topping into the thickened pudding until evenly combined and fluffy-looking.
Layer the graham crackers and bananas
- Line a 9x13 pan with a single layer of graham crackers, creating an even base layer that covers the bottom.
- Spread 1/3 of the banana pudding over the graham crackers in a smooth layer.
- Add sliced ripe bananas over the pudding layer in an even distribution.
- Add another graham cracker layer directly on top, then spread more pudding and add bananas again.
- Repeat the layering with a final graham cracker layer, then spread the remaining pudding over the top crackers.
Glaze and chill
- Whisk the unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy, then pour over the top to coat.
- Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight until the crackers are completely soft and the banana cream sets when sliced.
Notes
For clean slices, chill until fully set (8 hours is best) and use a sharp knife warmed under hot water before cutting. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days; freezing is not recommended because graham crackers soften too much and the texture can change. For a lighter option, use light whipped topping and reduced-fat milk in the pudding while keeping the chilling time the same.
