There’s something so nostalgic about banana pudding, and turning it into ice cream makes it even more irresistible.
This Banana Pudding Ice Cream is creamy, indulgent, and filled with the classic flavors of bananas, cream, and crunchy vanilla wafers.
It’s the perfect frozen dessert for summer or anytime you want a sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It combines the classic flavors of banana pudding in ice cream form.
No complicated steps—just mix, churn, and freeze.
The cream cheese adds richness for a cheesecake-like flavor.
Vanilla wafer cookies bring crunch and texture in every bite.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and flavor.
Cream cheese gives the ice cream a creamy, tangy base.
Sweetened condensed milk balances the flavor and keeps the texture smooth.
Heavy cream ensures richness and creaminess.
Vanilla wafers add nostalgic crunch and cookie flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
Soften cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Chill the mixture before churning for the best texture.
Fold in cookie pieces gently so they stay crunchy.
How to Make Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Step 1 – Make the base
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and mashed bananas until smooth.
Add condensed milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
Step 2 – Churn
Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn 20–25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
Step 3 – Add cookies
While churning, crush vanilla wafers.
Fold into ice cream once churned.
Step 4 – Freeze
Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
Smooth top, cover, and freeze 6 hours or until firm.
Step 5 – Serve
Scoop into bowls or cones.
Garnish with banana slices, extra cookies, or whipped cream.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with fresh banana slices and caramel sauce.
Serve with a slice of pound cake for an indulgent dessert.
Enjoy in cones for a fun summer treat.
Variations / Substitutions
Add a swirl of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra flavor.
Use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers.
Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a milder taste.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
Press parchment paper against the surface before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
FAQs
Do I need an ice cream maker?
Yes, for the best creamy texture, but you can freeze and stir every hour for 4–5 hours as a no-churn alternative.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them first and mash before mixing.
What’s the best way to crush vanilla wafers?
Pulse in a food processor or crush in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar slightly or use unsweetened whipped cream.
How long does it take to set?
At least 6 hours in the freezer, preferably overnight.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes—chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or chopped nuts are delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
Banana Pudding Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and loaded with banana flavor and crunchy cookies.
It’s an easy, fun dessert that combines the best of pudding and ice cream in one irresistible treat.
Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and bananas until smooth.
- Add condensed milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Transfer to an ice cream maker.
- Churn 20–25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Crush vanilla wafers and fold into churned ice cream.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and freeze 6 hours or until firm.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/banana-pudding-ice-cream/
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and banana flavor.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a container and stir every 30–45 minutes until creamy.
- Vanilla wafers add crunch—fold them in just before freezing so they don’t get soggy.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.