Banana Icebox Cake

Banana Icebox Cake: A No-Bake Dessert Dream

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion? This Banana Icebox Cake is the answer! With layers of graham crackers, creamy banana pudding, and whipped topping, this no-bake treat comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time. All you need to do is let it chill in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture. The result is a light, creamy, and irresistibly delicious dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 (3.4-ounce) packages banana instant pudding mix (Jell-O brand or other)
• 16 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed, divided
• 1 box (14.4 ounces, 3 sleeves) graham crackers
• 3-4 ripe bananas

Directions:

1. Prepare the Banana Pudding:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and banana instant pudding mix until the mixture thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Once the pudding is set, gently fold in 8 ounces (half) of the whipped topping until fully combined. This gives the pudding a light, fluffy texture.

2. Layer the Cake:

• In a 9×13 inch baking pan, arrange a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them if necessary to cover the bottom completely.
• Peel and slice the bananas into rounds and layer them evenly over the graham crackers.
• Spread ⅓ of the banana pudding mixture evenly over the banana slices, smoothing it out to cover the bananas.
• Repeat the layers two more times—graham crackers, banana slices, pudding mixture—ending with a final layer of graham crackers on top.

3. Add the Whipped Topping:

• Spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping evenly over the top layer of graham crackers, making sure to cover the entire cake.
• For an extra touch of decoration, you can crush some graham crackers and sprinkle them over the top, along with a few banana slices or dollops of whipped cream if desired.

4. Chill and Serve:

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the icebox cake for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the graham crackers to soften, transforming them into a cake-like consistency as they absorb the flavors of the pudding and bananas.

Recipe Summary:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4-6 hours (preferably overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 servings
• Calories per Serving: 280 kcal

Tips for the Best Banana Icebox Cake:

• Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are perfectly ripe for the best flavor. Overripe bananas might become too mushy in the layers.
• Whipped Topping: Thaw the Cool Whip completely before using for a smooth, easy-to-spread texture.
• Chill Time: Overnight chilling is recommended for the best texture and flavor, allowing the graham crackers to fully soften into a cake-like consistency.

This Banana Icebox Cake is a classic, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. The combination of creamy banana pudding, light whipped topping, and tender graham crackers makes every bite a delicious, satisfying treat. It’s ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet dessert at home—no baking required!

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