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This Biscoff banana pudding with caramel is the ultimate no bake dessert for anyone craving silky layers, cozy comfort, and a bit of wow factor. Creamy vanilla pudding gets folded with softly whipped cream, then layered with buttery Biscoff cookies, tender bananas, ribbons of caramel, and swirls of Biscoff spread. It has become the show stopping finish for my family gatherings and friends always request the recipe after just one bite.
The first time I made this I wanted something nostalgic but with a twist. After one overnight chill I realized this was going to be our signature dessert. Each spoonful is silky and full of Biscoff goodness.
Ingredients
- Cold whole milk: brings richness and helps the pudding set up beautifully use high quality for extra creaminess
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: creates the creamy base without any cooking and thickens quickly
- Heavy whipping cream: adds a fluffy and luxurious lift always use cold for best whipping
- Powdered sugar: subtly sweetens and stabilizes the cream so it holds its shape
- Vanilla extract: deepens flavor opt for pure vanilla if possible
- Ripe bananas: provide sweetness and soft texture look for a few brown speckles but still slightly firm
- Biscoff cookies: are crisp with hints of caramel spice grab the classic Lotus brand if you can
- Biscoff spread (smooth): brings concentrated cookie flavor gently warm it for easy spreading
- Caramel sauce: ties everything together choose a thick butter caramel sauce for a rich finish
- Crushed Biscoff cookies (optional): make a pretty crunchy top layer
- Extra caramel drizzle (optional): glossy finishing touch
- Banana slices (optional): for an extra fresh garnish just before serving
- Whipped cream (optional): cloudlike and makes each bite even more special
Instructions
- Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Base:
- In a large mixing bowl add cold whole milk and instant vanilla pudding mix Whisk briskly for about two minutes until the pudding thickens noticeably Let the mixture rest for three to five minutes to fully set creating a thick and creamy texture The pudding should hold its shape with no lumps For best results make sure the milk is very cold before starting
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a separate bowl combine the cold heavy whipping cream powdered sugar and vanilla extract Beat this mixture with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium high speed until you see stiff peaks forming meaning the cream will stand up on its own when the beaters are lifted Be careful not to overbeat The whipped cream should be pillowy and smooth
- Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream:
- With a spatula gently fold the whipped cream into the vanilla pudding Fold slowly Use wide sweeping motions to keep everything light and fluffy This technique gives the pudding a luxurious mousse like texture
- Prepare the Bananas and Cookies:
- Peel and slice the bananas into even rounds about one quarter inch thick Set them aside Break Biscoff cookies into large pieces You can leave some cookies whole for extra crunch and presentation
- Start Layering:
- Choose your serving dish like a trifle bowl a glass baking dish or clear cups Start with a thin layer of the pudding mixture spread evenly over the base Add a layer of Biscoff cookies then top with banana slices Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the bananas Spoon small dollops of warmed Biscoff spread and gently coax it across the layer Continue repeating the components until you end with a final thick layer of pudding on top
- Final Touches:
- Scatter crushed Biscoff cookies over the finished surface Drizzle more caramel and decorate with extra banana slices or whole cookies if desired
- Chill the Dessert:
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours but preferably overnight This waiting period is not optional since it lets the cookies soak up moisture becoming cake like while the flavors marry together for that signature dessert experience
Hands down my favorite part is the caramel drizzle and Biscoff spread You get pockets of gooey sweetness that make the pudding unforgettable I will always remember the year we served this at my daughter’s birthday and there was not a spoonful left by the end of the night
Storage Tips
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days The bananas will soften with time but the flavors really deepen After day one the cookies are perfectly tender like a sponge cake and the pudding is ultra creamy If you want to preserve crunch reserve a few crushed cookies to sprinkle before each serving
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out the vanilla pudding for banana or butterscotch pudding if you want even more depth of flavor If you cannot find Biscoff cookies speculoos cookies or gingersnaps are great alternatives For dairy free guests use coconut cream and plant based pudding mix
Serving Suggestions
This dessert shines in a glass trifle bowl or individual cups for parties For a brunch treat top with extra fresh fruit like berries or a few dark chocolate shavings If you really want to wow guests finish with a swirl of homemade whipped cream on each serving
Cultural and Historical Context
Biscoff cookies or speculoos originated in Belgium with a unique caramelized spice profile Layered banana pudding itself is a Southern American classic This dessert is a fusion of Europe’s beloved cookie and classic Southern comfort food making every spoonful a delicious cross cultural experience
Seasonal Adaptations
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream for fall gatherings Layer in strawberries or blueberries when bananas are not at their best Make mini versions with mason jars for picnics or holiday parties
Success Stories
Every time I serve this to friends or at a potluck guests are amazed at the depth of flavor for such little effort I heard from one aunt who now brings this pudding to all her book club meetings and it vanishes in minutes
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze the assembled pudding tightly wrapped for up to one month For best results slice and freeze in individual cups Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh bananas and toppings just before serving The texture is a little softer after freezing but still irresistibly delicious
This no bake banana pudding is always a show stopper and could not be simpler to prepare. Make it once and it will quickly become a family favorite for every celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce works beautifully and adds a personal touch to the dessert. Just ensure it is thick enough to drizzle but not runny.
- → How ripe should the bananas be?
Choose bananas that are yellow with light brown spots for the best sweetness and texture. Overripe bananas may become too mushy in layers.
- → Can I assemble this dessert in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare and layer the dessert a day ahead. Chilling overnight lets the cookies soften and the flavors blend.
- → Is it possible to substitute Biscoff cookies?
If Biscoff cookies are unavailable, use other spiced or caramelized biscuits for a similar texture and taste.
- → How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Slice bananas just before assembling and layer them between pudding and caramel. This helps maintain freshness and color.
- → Can I use light whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
Store-bought whipped topping works as a substitute, though homemade whipped cream gives a fresher taste and creamier texture.