Description

This Banana Pudding Dessert Cheese Ball is a creamy, sweet, and fun no-bake treat perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining classic banana pudding flavors with a luscious cream cheese and butter base, it’s studded with crushed vanilla wafers and optional mini white chocolate chips for extra texture and sweetness. Rolled in more crushed vanilla wafers for a delightful crunch, this dessert pairs perfectly with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fresh fruit for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana cream pudding mix (dry)
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup crushed vanilla wafers (plus extra for coating)
2–3 tablespoons mini white chocolate chips (optional)

For Coating and Serving

½ cup crushed vanilla wafers (for rolling)
Whole vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fruit for dipping

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Instructions

Prepare the base mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring there are no lumps.
Add flavorings and sugar: Incorporate the dry instant banana cream pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat again until all ingredients are fully combined into a creamy mixture.
Mix in crunch and optional chips: Stir in the crushed vanilla wafers along with mini white chocolate chips if you choose to use them, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
Chill to firm: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the mixture to firm up enough to handle shaping.
Shape the cheese ball: Using a sheet of plastic wrap, scoop the chilled mixture onto it and shape into a ball, utilizing the wrap to help mold it smoothly.
Firm up the shaped ball: Return the cheese ball wrapped in plastic wrap to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to become firm and hold its shape well.
Coat the exterior: Roll the chilled cheese ball in the crushed vanilla wafers until fully coated, creating a textured and tasty outer layer.
Serve and enjoy: Place the coated cheese ball on a serving plate and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Provide whole vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fresh fruit alongside for dipping.

Notes

For a fun variation in texture, roll the cheese ball in crushed freeze-dried bananas instead of vanilla wafers.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving to enhance the sweetness and add a rich flavor.
This cheese ball can be made up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to save time on serving day.