Tropical Banana Pudding Icebox Delight
Indulge in the refreshing taste of summer with our Tropical Banana Pudding Icebox Delight. This no-bake cake is perfect for any warm occasion, featuring layers of rich banana pudding, whipped cream, and creamy vanilla filling, all sandwiched between crispy vanilla wafers. It’s beautifully garnished with chocolate shell-shaped candies and cute drink umbrellas, making it not only a delicious treat but also a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. Ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or beach parties, this icebox cake will surely be a hit!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heavy Cream
3 cups (Chilled)
Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (Divided)
Milk
8 tablespoons (Divided)
Instant Banana Pudding Mix
1 package (3.5 ounces) (N/A)
Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Vanilla Wafers
7 ounces (about 50 cookies) (N/A)
Ripe Bananas
3-4 (Sliced into 1/2-inch coins)
Shell-Shaped Chocolate Candies
6-12 (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Line the base and sides of a 9-inch springform cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring no gaps or sticking points.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together using a whisk or electric mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
3
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar (1/2 cup) and 6 tablespoons of milk, mixing until well combined.
4
Fold the banana pudding mix into the cream cheese mixture gently until combined and smooth.
5
Carefully fold in half of the prepared whipped cream (around 2 1/2 cups) into the banana pudding mixture until fully integrated and no streaks remain.
6
In another bowl, combine the remaining cream cheese (8 ounces), the remaining granulated sugar (1/2 cup), 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined.
7
To assemble, spread 1/3 of the banana filling into the bottom of the prepared cake pan evenly.
8
Spread half of the vanilla filling over the banana layer evenly.
9
In a shallow bowl, pour the 1/4 cup of milk and briefly dip half of the vanilla wafers, then layer them on top of the vanilla filling.
10
Spread another 1/3 of the banana filling over the wafers evenly.
11
Arrange the sliced bananas over the banana filling, creating an even layer.
12
Spread the remaining banana filling evenly over the banana slices.
13
Finally, spread the remaining vanilla filling over the top layer of banana filling evenly.
14
Crush the leftover vanilla wafers in a resealable bag with a rolling pin until fine crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs over the vanilla filling layer.
15
Cover the cake pan with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up.
16
To serve, remove the cake from the freezer about 20 minutes before cutting so it can slightly soften.
17
Unclip the sides of the springform pan and remove it, then peel away the parchment paper carefully.
18
Garnish with shell-shaped chocolates and fun drink umbrellas, and slice using a large, hot, sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Banana Pudding Icebox Delight?
It is a refreshing no-bake dessert featuring layers of banana pudding, whipped cream, and vanilla filling sandwiched between vanilla wafers, designed for summer occasions.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a completely no-bake icebox cake that sets in the freezer rather than being baked in an oven.
How long does the cake need to freeze?
The cake should be placed in the freezer for at least 4 hours to ensure it is firm enough to serve.
What type of pan should I use?
A 9-inch springform cake pan is recommended for this recipe to allow for easy removal of the sides.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Line both the base and the sides of the springform pan with parchment paper before you begin layering.
What ingredients are needed for the whipped cream?
You will need 3 cups of chilled heavy cream and 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar.
To what consistency should I whip the cream?
Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature before beating to ensure a smooth consistency.
What type of pudding mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 3.5-ounce package of instant banana pudding mix.
How is the banana filling made?
It is made by folding banana pudding mix into a cream cheese and sugar mixture, then folding in half of the prepared whipped cream.
What are the components of the vanilla filling?
The vanilla filling consists of cream cheese, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining whipped cream.
Why do the vanilla wafers need to be dipped in milk?
Dipping the wafers briefly in milk helps them soften into a cake-like texture within the icebox delight.
How many bananas are used in this recipe?
You will need 3 to 4 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch coins.
How many layers of banana filling are there?
There are three layers of banana filling: one on the bottom, one over the wafers, and one over the sliced bananas.
How many layers of vanilla filling are there?
There are two layers of vanilla filling: one over the first banana layer and one as the final top layer.
What is the purpose of the crushed vanilla wafers?
Crushed vanilla wafers are sprinkled over the top vanilla filling layer to provide a decorative and textured finish.
How should I crush the leftover vanilla wafers?
Place them in a resealable bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs.
How long should I let the cake sit out before serving?
Remove the cake from the freezer about 20 minutes before you plan to cut it so it can soften slightly.
What is the best way to get clean slices?
Use a large, hot, sharp knife that has been dipped in hot water to create clean, smooth cuts.
What are the suggested garnishes for a tropical look?
The recipe suggests garnishing with shell-shaped chocolate candies and cute drink umbrellas.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What amount of vanilla wafers is needed?
You will need approximately 7 ounces of vanilla wafers, which is roughly 50 cookies.
How much milk is needed in total?
The recipe uses 8 tablespoons of milk divided for the fillings, plus an additional 1/4 cup for dipping the wafers.
Is the sugar used all at once?
No, the 1 cup of granulated sugar is divided between the banana pudding mixture and the vanilla filling mixture.
Can I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended for whipping the cream and beating the cream cheese mixtures.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients.
Is there vanilla extract in the banana layer?
No, the vanilla extract is specifically added to the second cream cheese mixture used for the vanilla filling.
How do I remove the springform pan?
After the cake has set and slightly softened, unclip the sides of the pan and carefully peel away the parchment paper.
What occasions is this dessert best for?
It is ideal for family gatherings, picnics, beach parties, or any warm summer occasion.
What is the preparation for the powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar should be sifted before being added to the heavy cream.