Nutella Banana Pudding
There’s something utterly delightful about a dessert that combines the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella with the classic comfort of banana pudding. This Nutella Banana Pudding is a luscious, decadent twist on a traditional favorite, featuring layers of creamy pudding, sliced bananas, and crunchy Oreo cookies. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy texture and delightful flavor, it’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why This Nutella Banana Pudding Stands Out
This Nutella Banana Pudding stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it seamlessly blends the beloved flavors of chocolate-hazelnut spread with the classic appeal of banana pudding, making it a unique dessert that caters to both chocolate lovers and banana enthusiasts alike. Secondly, the contrast of textures—smooth pudding, soft bananas, and crunchy Oreos—creates an exciting eating experience. Lastly, the addition of whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the richness of the Nutella, making each spoonful a heavenly treat.
Ingredients at a Glance
To create this delicious Nutella Banana Pudding, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Nutella
- 32 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 4 to 5 cups Cool Whip
- chopped roasted hazelnuts for garnish
Appliances & Accessories
To make the process smoother and more enjoyable, you will need a few key appliances and accessories:
- Mixing bowls: For combining the pudding mix, milk, and Nutella.
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth, lump-free pudding mixture.
- Spatula: For folding in the whipped cream gently.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for layering the pudding and cookies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
Nutella Banana Pudding — Do This Next
Creating this Nutella Banana Pudding is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk until well combined. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Incorporate Nutella
Add the cup of Nutella to the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to fold it in gently until fully incorporated, creating a rich chocolate-hazelnut pudding.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This will add a fluffy texture to your pudding.
Step 4: Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella pudding mixture until no white streaks remain. This step is crucial for achieving the desired lightness in your dessert.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by adding a layer of crushed Oreo cookies at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of the Nutella pudding mixture, then a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Step 6: Top with Cool Whip
Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top layer of pudding. This adds a lovely finish and keeps the dessert light and airy.
Step 7: Add Hazelnuts
Sprinkle the chopped roasted hazelnuts over the Cool Whip for a delightful crunch and a nod to the Nutella’s flavor profile.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, scoop out portions and enjoy!
Variations by Season
Feel free to get creative with your Nutella Banana Pudding by trying these seasonal variations:
- Spring: Add fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of fruity freshness.
- Summer: Incorporate peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist.
- Fall: Mix in pumpkin spice for a festive autumn flavor.
- Winter: Drizzle some peppermint extract into the pudding for a holiday-inspired treat.
Avoid These Mistakes
When making Nutella Banana Pudding, keep these tips in mind to ensure success:
- Don’t rush the pudding mixture—whisk until fully thickened for the best texture.
- Be gentle when folding in the whipped cream to maintain its airy consistency.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid adding the bananas too early; they can brown if left too long in the pudding.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Nutella Banana Pudding fresh, consider these storage tips:
- Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- For longer-lasting bananas, add them just before serving instead of layering them in.
- If you have leftovers, try to consume them within a couple of days for optimal freshness.
Common Qs About Nutella Banana Pudding
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! Nutella Banana Pudding is perfect for making in advance. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully after chilling in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos?
Yes! While Oreos add a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other cookies like chocolate chip or graham crackers for a unique twist.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to achieve a similar creaminess without the extra calories.
How should I serve Nutella Banana Pudding?
Nutella Banana Pudding can be served directly from the dish or in individual cups for a more elegant presentation. Just be sure to keep it chilled until serving!
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up this delightful Nutella Banana Pudding. The process is simple, and the reward is a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious dessert that everyone will love. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat at home, this pudding is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture, and watch as it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Indulging in Nutella Banana Pudding is a journey into a world of creamy bliss, where every bite brings joy and satisfaction. Don’t wait — create this masterpiece today and treat yourself to the sweet combination of Nutella, bananas, and cookies!
Nutella Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk until well combined. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cup of Nutella to the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to fold it in gently until fully incorporated, creating a rich chocolate-hazelnut pudding.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This will add a fluffy texture to your pudding.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella pudding mixture until no white streaks remain. This step is crucial for achieving the desired lightness in your dessert.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start by adding a layer of crushed Oreo cookies at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of the Nutella pudding mixture, then a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top layer of pudding. This adds a lovely finish and keeps the dessert light and airy.
- Sprinkle the chopped roasted hazelnuts over the Cool Whip for a delightful crunch and a nod to the Nutella’s flavor profile.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, scoop out portions and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For optimal freshness, add bananas just before serving.
- Don’t rush the pudding mixture; whisk until fully thickened.
