If you're a fan of traditional banana pudding but want something a little different, this Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball is a fun, flavorful take on the beloved dessert. This cheese ball is creamy, sweet, and packed with banana flavor, coated in crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and crunch. It’s the perfect dessert to serve at parties, gatherings, or just for a fun treat at home. Enjoy it with a variety of cookies, graham crackers, or even fresh fruit for dipping.

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Banana pudding has long been a Southern staple, often served in layers of creamy banana custard, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream. This cheese ball brings all those flavors into one delightful, scoopable dessert. The outside is coated in crushed vanilla wafers, while the inside is smooth and bursting with banana flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that will surprise and delight everyone who tries it.

The Unique Appeal of the Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball

This cheese ball combines the creamy goodness of banana pudding with the portability and convenience of a cheese ball. The vanilla wafers add a nostalgic crunch to the smooth, banana-flavored filling. Plus, the combination of cream cheese and pudding mix creates a luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish so satisfying. It’s the ideal finger food for dipping, and its eye-catching presentation makes it the star of any dessert table.

A Quick History of Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a Southern classic that has been around since at least the 19th century. Traditionally, it’s a layered dessert made with vanilla custard, bananas, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream or meringue. It became particularly popular in the 20th century when pre-packaged pudding mixes made the dessert easier to prepare. This cheese ball takes inspiration from the flavors of traditional banana pudding but puts a modern spin on the presentation.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try for Banana Lovers

If you’re a fan of banana-flavored treats, this cheese ball is a must-try. It combines the comforting flavors of banana pudding with a fun and easy-to-eat format. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a family night in, this cheese ball can be prepared in advance and served with an array of dippable treats like cookies or graham crackers. The balance of creamy, sweet banana filling with the crispy, buttery vanilla wafer coating will make this dessert a hit.

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Nutritional Information for Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball (Per Serving, Serves 12-14)

• • Calories: 210 kcal  
  • Protein: 2g  
  • Fat: 14g  
  • Carbohydrates: 18g  
  • Sugar: 13g  
  • Sodium: 120mg

Serving Suggestions to Make Your Banana Pudding Cheese Ball Shine

For a decadent experience, serve the cheese ball with a variety of cookies such as vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even chocolate wafers. You can also pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or even grapes. To add a little extra flair, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the cheese ball right before serving for a special treat.

Storage Information to Keep Your Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball Fresh

Store your cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to prepare it in advance, you can freeze the cheese ball (before adding the vanilla wafer coating) for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator and roll it in the crushed vanilla wafers just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Extra Fun Tip to Elevate Your Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball

To add a fun twist to this recipe, consider mixing in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the banana filling for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You could also swirl in some caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent addition. If you're feeling creative, shape the cheese ball to resemble a banana for a playful presentation!

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Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball Recipe

Ingredients:

• - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened  
• - 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant banana cream pudding mix  
• - ½ cup powdered sugar  
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
• - 2 cups whipped topping  
• - 1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers (for coating)  
• - Vanilla wafers or graham crackers (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the instant banana cream pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until well combined.

3. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.

4. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

5. Just before serving, roll the cheese ball in the crushed vanilla wafers until fully coated.

6. Serve with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fresh fruit for dipping.

Enjoy this Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball as a fun and delicious twist on the classic banana pudding!