Description
This delightful Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball combines creamy cream cheese, ripe bananas, and instant banana pudding mix to create a no-bake sweet treat perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Rolled in crushed vanilla wafers, this cheese ball offers a luscious banana cream flavor with a crunchy exterior, making it an irresistible dessert or appetizer option.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana cream pudding mix, dry
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins and Coating
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (plus more for coating)
To Serve
- Whole vanilla wafers or graham crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring a creamy base for the cheese ball.
- Add flavorings and mix-ins: Incorporate the mashed ripe banana, dry instant banana cream pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until fully combined and smooth to infuse the banana pudding flavor evenly.
- Fold in crushed wafers: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, which add texture and subtle crunch throughout the cheese ball mixture.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 2 hours, or until it firms up sufficiently to be shaped.
- Shape and coat the cheese ball: Once chilled, form the mixture into a firm ball with your hands. Roll the cheese ball in additional crushed vanilla wafers to evenly coat the exterior and add a delightful crunch.
- Store and serve: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Present with whole vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fresh fruit slices for dipping.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, try folding in mini white chocolate chips or chopped pecans before chilling.
- This cheese ball can be made a day ahead—keep refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness.
- Serve chilled to enjoy the best consistency and flavor.
