This Banana Pudding Ice Box Cake takes all the flavors you love from banana pudding and transforms it into an easy, frozen dessert using instant pudding!
If you haven’t prepared the Instant pudding yet, whisk in the milk according to package directions and allow to set in the refrigerator. It will incorporate better cold. 1 cup prepared pudding is half of a pudding box. I also add additional vanilla extract to the instant pudding.
Prepare Loaf Pan:
Lightly spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and line with plastic wrap. The spray will cling to the plastic wrap and stick it to the sides, so you can get a nice smooth lining without much fuss. Leave some plastic wrap hanging over the sides to help with removal.
Assembly & Finishing:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl, combine heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar and remaining vanilla.
Whisk until stiff peaks form.
Reserve about a cup of whipped cream for the topping, set aside.
Gently fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding.
Slice the bananas about 1/8 inch thick.
Starting with lightened pudding, spread a thin layer of pudding in the bottom then layer on the bananas and nilla wafers, repeat until almost at the top.
Finish with the plain whipped cream and decorate the top with Nilla wafers, additional bananas or leave plain.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer 8 hours or overnight.
To Serve:
Allow to warm at room temperature for 5 minutes before attempting to free it from the pan.
Fill a large cup with hot water and have a tea towel handy.
Gently pull the plastic wrap lining until the ice box cake pops out. Remove plastic wrap.
The easiest way to cut is by dipping a serrated knife in the warm water, wiping the blade and then slicing the cake with a hot knife. Depending on how long it takes, you might need to put the cake back in the freezer if it starts to melt too much.
I served on chilled plates with a little caramel sauce, but it doesn’t need anything else!
Video
Notes
You can cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before freezing to allow the Nilla wafers time to soften like in regular banana pudding because they will not soften in the freezer. This is completely optional and I liked it the way it was!Serves: 121, 9x5 inch loaf pan