Reminiscent of banana pudding, this fluff recipe includes crushed cookies, chopped bananas, pecans, and miniature marshmallows. This dessert takes only a few minutes to mix together and is perfect for summer because it’s a no-cook recipe.
Banana Pudding Fluff: Easy Recipe
This banana pudding recipe is simple to make and fun to assemble, as it allows for customization. For example, you can vary the number of cookies and chopped bananas to suit your taste or add extra treats like marshmallows or pecans for a unique texture.
Make the Pudding
This dessert uses instant vanilla pudding that whisks together and thickens very quickly. For the best taste, whisk the mixture until it is smooth and lump-free. Then add vanilla extract to enhance the vanilla taste of the pudding. However, if you prefer to use homemade pudding in this recipe, you can find an easy recipe for homemade vanilla pudding in my Blueberry Cookie Pudding Recipe by clicking here.
Add Whipped Topping to Banana Pudding Fluff
Add whipped topping to the pudding and fold it in to mix it. You can substitute stabilized whipped cream for the whipped topping if you prefer, but avoid using whipped cream from a can, as it will melt instead of maintaining its shape.
The whipped topping incorporates easily into the pudding.
Crush the Cookies for Banana Pudding Fluff
Add a couple of cups of crushed vanilla wafers to the pudding mixture, measuring them before crushing. You can add more or fewer cookie crumbs, depending on your taste. You can also break the cookies into fine pieces or leave a few larger pieces.
I find it is easiest to place the cookies into a plastic bag and roll a rolling pin over the bag to crush them. However, squeeze out all the air before you roll over the bag, or it might burst. You can also use a food processor to crush the cookies.
Stir in the crushed cookies.
Add the Bananas and Marshmallows
Unlike regular banana pudding that uses large banana pieces, chop the bananas into small pieces for this fluff. Then toss them in lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Add the bananas to the pudding. Then, add the optional marshmallows and pecans, if using.
Add the Rest of the Crushed Cookies
Finish this dessert by topping it with the remaining crushed cookies.
Garnish with Mint and a Whole Cookie
This dessert looks particularly appealing when served in individual containers, accompanied by a cookie and a mint sprig. It keeps well in the refrigerator for one to two days. However, if you like crunchy cookie pieces, serve this dessert as soon as you make it because the longer it sits, the softer the cookie crumbs become. Just be sure to toss the bananas in lemon juice to keep them from turning brown if you want to make it ahead of time.
Other Banana Recipes You Might Enjoy
Click on each name or photo to link to the recipe.
Banana Pudding Fluff: Make an Easy Dessert in Minutes
Ingredients
- (1) 3.4-ounce box instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- (1) 8-ounce container whipped topping (Cool Whip used)
- 2 cups (divided) vanilla wafers
- 2 large bananas
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows (optional)
- ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk the milk and pudding until the pudding thickens. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the whipped topping. Chop the vanilla wafers into pieces. Then, add 1 3/4 cups to the pudding.
- Chop the bananas into pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the lemon juice and stir to coat them. Then, drain off any excess lemon juice and stir the bananas into the pudding mixture. If using marshmallows or pecans, add them and stir to mix.
- Sprinkle the last 1/4 cup of crushed vanilla wafers over the pudding. Garnish with extra cookies. Serve cold.