Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball Recipe
If you’re searching for a new party favorite or an unforgettable potluck contribution, the Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball will have everyone swooning from the first bite. This playful, no-bake treat captures all the nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding—velvety cream cheese meets the sweet punch of banana pudding mix, a shower of vanilla wafer crumbs, and a scatter of white chocolate chips for good measure. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with banana flavor, perfect for scooping with cookies, graham crackers, or fruit. Whether you’re prepping ahead or assembling on the fly, this dessert cheese ball delivers charm, ease, and irresistible taste in every swoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the delicious simplicity behind every bite. Each ingredient in this Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball is essential for building luscious flavor and achieving that crave-worthy texture. Don’t be fooled by the short list—each element shines and blends together for pure dessert magic.
- Cream cheese: Provides the rich, creamy base that holds everything together, so be sure to let it soften for the best texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds luxurious silkiness, making the cheese ball smooth and easy to mix.
- Instant banana cream pudding mix (dry): Delivers bold banana flavor and brings that unmistakable pudding taste without any extra fuss.
- Powdered sugar: Gently sweetens the mixture and keeps it silky-smooth (no grittiness here).
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes—don’t skip it for full dessert bliss!
- Crushed vanilla wafers: Bring in that classic banana pudding cookie flavor and a pleasant crunch throughout.
- Mini white chocolate chips (optional): Add sweet pops of creamy texture and a hint of white chocolate richness—totally worth including if you have them.
- Crushed vanilla wafers (for coating): Plenty of extra crunch and an eye-catching finish to roll the cheese ball in before serving.
How to Make Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball
Step 1: Cream Together the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat them together on medium speed until everything is silky-smooth, creamy, and totally lump-free. This is the foundation of your Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball, so take your time—smoothness here means a dreamy, spreadable texture later.
Step 2: Add the Pudding Mix and Sweeteners
Next, sprinkle in the dry instant banana cream pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend the mixture again until it’s light, fluffy, and smells like absolute banana heaven. The pudding mix not only flavors the cheese ball, but helps bind everything so it holds a perfect shape when chilled.
Step 3: Fold in the Fun Flavors
With a spatula or large spoon, gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and those little mini white chocolate chips if you’re including them. This step adds both crunch and an extra layer of sweetness, making every scoop of your Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball texturally exciting and incredibly moreish.
Step 4: Shape and Chill
Transfer the mixture onto a big sheet of plastic wrap. Use the plastic to help you form the soft mixture into a ball—don’t worry about absolute perfection here. Wrap it tightly to prevent drying out, then tuck it into the fridge for at least two hours. This chill time is essential for firming up the cheese ball and allowing the flavors to mingle.
Step 5: Roll and Serve
Once fully chilled and set, unwrap your Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball and gently roll it in the remaining crushed vanilla wafers, coating all the sides. This step adds an irresistible crunch and the signature look everyone will recognize. Place the finished cheese ball on a serving plate, pop it back in the fridge until you’re ready, and let the compliments roll in!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball
Garnishes
Dress it up with a sprinkle of extra white chocolate chips, a few banana chips on top, or a drizzle of banana-flavored syrup for a show-stopping presentation. Finish with a scatter of fresh banana slices just before serving for a fresh pop of yellow—and a nod to classic banana pudding.
Side Dishes
The best part about the Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball is how versatile it is. Serve it with crisp vanilla wafers, sturdy graham cracker sticks, crunchy pretzels, or even fresh fruit slices like strawberries and apple wedges. Each dipper brings a little something different—perfect for pleasing a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cheese ball into the centerpiece by serving it on a tiered platter surrounded by a ring of colorful dippers. Or, for a party with kids, shape the ball into a banana or even mini individual cheese balls for single-serve fun. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top adds a dramatic, decadent touch guests can’t resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container before refrigerating. It’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to four days, making it a seriously handy dessert to have on hand for sweet cravings throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make the Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball even further in advance, freezing is a great option. Wrap the uncoated cheese ball tightly in plastic and then in foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll in fresh crushed wafers for the prettiest presentation.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Since this cheese ball is enjoyed cold or at room temperature, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly for easy dipping. Quick, simple, and always delicious straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert cheese ball is ideal for making in advance. After forming and wrapping, keep it chilled until just before serving, then coat with crushed wafers for best texture and crunch.
What can I use if I don’t have instant banana cream pudding mix?
You can substitute vanilla pudding mix and add a dash of banana extract or mashed ripe banana, but the instant mix brings the best color and firm texture. The classic banana cream pudding mix is really what sets the flavor apart!
Is the white chocolate absolutely necessary?
Not at all! The mini white chocolate chips are a fun addition if you want extra bursts of sweetness, but the Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball is equally delicious without them. Just leave them out or swap in your favorite chips (even dark chocolate is fun!).
How should I store the cheese ball if there are leftovers?
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in the same plastic wrap you used for chilling. It will keep perfectly in the fridge for several days—just give the exterior a quick coat of fresh crumbs if needed before serving again.
Can I make this cheese ball nut-free and gluten-free?
Certainly! Simply opt for gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers, and double-check your pudding mix for allergens. It’s an easy swap, and you’ll still get all the flavor and fun without worry.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball that turns any gathering into a celebration, and I can’t recommend it enough. With every bite, you get the creamy nostalgia of banana pudding in a fun, shareable new form. Try it for your next party—or any day you want to celebrate life’s little moments with something sweet and surprising!
Print
Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic dessert with this Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball. Creamy and packed with banana flavor, this no-bake treat is perfect for parties or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Ball:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix (dry)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup crushed vanilla wafers
- ¼ cup mini white chocolate chips (optional)
Coating:
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and mini white chocolate chips if using.
- Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the remaining crushed vanilla wafers to coat evenly.
- Place on a serving plate and return to the fridge until ready to serve.
Add the dry banana pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and fluffy.
Notes
- Serve with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, pretzels, or fresh fruit for dipping.
- For an extra banana kick, mix in a few banana chips or drizzle with banana-flavored syrup before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
