Description

A no-bake, 5pm dinner lifesaver featuring layers of ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and a stabilized whipped cream mixture. This nostalgic comfort food is easy to assemble, requires minimal effort, and tastes like you put in serious effort.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium ripe bananas (yellow with brown spots)
1 package vanilla wafers (about 40–50 cookies, such as Nilla Wafers)
2 cups heavy cream (full-fat)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch rounds. Place slices in a bowl and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the cream mixture.
Whip the mixture with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Do not over-whip.
Start layering in a serving dish: begin with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices, and then a generous layer of the cream mixture.
Repeat the layers (wafers, bananas, cream) until ingredients are used up, typically three layers of each. Finish with a cream layer topped with whole wafers and a dusting of cinnamon or chocolate chips.
Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
Serve chilled with a dollop of extra whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Use the ripest bananas possible for maximum sweetness and flavor. Do not skip the cornstarch, as it stabilizes the cream and prevents the trifle from becoming soupy. Ensure the trifle chills for at least 2 hours so the wafers soften properly. This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice/serving from
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25
Sodium: 150
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 11
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: banana pudding, trifle, vanilla wafers, no-bake dessert, 5pm dinner, comfort food, easy dessert, crowd pleaser