Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that requires absolutely no baking? Look no further! This Nutter Butter Banana Pudding recipe is the perfect sweet treat for a hot summer day or any time you need a quick and satisfying dessert. It's creamy, crunchy, and unbelievably delicious – a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is a simple homemade cooking project, perfect for beginners and a delightful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package Nutter Butter cookies
- 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (3 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Chocolate shavings, extra Nutter Butters, or caramel drizzle for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This is a key step for a perfectly set pudding.
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Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip!
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Assemble the Pudding: In a large trifle bowl or individual serving dishes, layer half of the Nutter Butter cookies. Arrange half of the sliced bananas over the cookies.
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Layer the Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the banana layer.
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Repeat Layers: Repeat layers with the remaining cookies, bananas, and pudding mixture.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the pudding and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set completely. This chilling time allows the flavors to fully develop and makes the pudding even more delightful.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings, crushed Nutter Butters, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Tips and Variations:
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Ripe Bananas are Key: Use ripe, but not overly ripe, bananas for the best flavor and texture. Overly ripe bananas can become mushy.
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Cookie Alternatives: Feel free to substitute other cookies, such as graham crackers or shortbread cookies, for a slightly different flavor profile.
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Chocolate Pudding: Swap the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate pudding mix for a richer, chocolatey dessert.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the pudding mixture for an extra nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on serving size and added toppings).
- Fat: Varies depending on ingredients used.
- Protein: Moderate.
- Carbohydrates: High.
This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of food recipes and the best recipes for simple, delicious desserts. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight treat. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy Nutter Butters creates a truly irresistible dessert that's sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!