There is something absolutely magical about the way flavors come together in this Biscoff Banana Pudding with Dulce de Leche Recipe. Creamy, luscious pudding meets the caramel richness of dulce de leche and the warm spice of Biscoff cookies, all layered with ripe bananas for a perfect harmony of texture and taste. It’s a dessert that feels like a loving hug—comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make. If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing treat that balances familiar flavors with a unique twist, this recipe is your golden ticket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in creating the pudding’s beloved texture and irresistible flavor. From creamy cheeses to fragrant vanilla, every component is there to build layers of creamy delight and subtle spice.
- Cream cheese (½ 4-ounce block, softened): Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Dulce de leche (½ 14-ounce can): Brings a deep caramel flavor that enhances the banana and cookie notes.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds moisture and a gentle tartness to keep the pudding from feeling too heavy.
- Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic vanilla notes that are simply exquisite.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 5.1-ounce package): Provides the base of the pudding with creamy texture and vanilla flavor.
- Milk (1¼ cups of 2% or whole): Needed to bring the pudding mix to life and add smooth viscosity.
- Diamond crystal kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors expertly.
- Heavy cream (3 cups): Whipped to add lightness and fluffiness, creating those irresistible creamy peaks.
- Biscoff cookies (1½ sleeves, about 8.8 ounces): The star spice cookie that adds crunch and a unique cinnamon-warmth to each bite.
- Bananas (5-6, thinly sliced): Fresh and sweet, their natural creaminess rounds out this dessert’s flavor profile.
- Biscoff cookie butter (½ cup, melted): For drizzling between layers to intensify that signature spiced cookie flavor and add a luscious glaze throughout.
How to Make Biscoff Banana Pudding with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by whipping the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand mixer until it’s completely smooth—take your time here, it should have no lumps for the best texture. Then add half the can of dulce de leche, sour cream, vanilla bean paste, and kosher salt. Continue whipping everything together until it’s beautifully combined and silky.
Step 2: Incorporate the Pudding Mix
Next, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and blend on medium to low speed, carefully working out any lumps as you go. Slowly drizzle in the milk while the mixer is on its stir setting to create a smooth, creamy pudding base. Taste it, and if you’re feeling indulgent, go ahead and add a bit more dulce de leche for extra richness. Let this mixture rest for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight if you want to prep ahead.
Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scoop out about 1¼ cups and chill it for later. Fold the remaining whipped cream gently into the pudding mixture until no streaks remain to keep the texture light and airy.
Step 4: Start Layering the Pudding
Grab your serving dish and start layering by spreading one-third of the pudding mixture evenly at the bottom. Top this with half of the Biscoff cookies and half of the banana slices. Drizzle some of the melted Biscoff cookie butter over the top to add a glossy, spiced sweetness that will soak into the cookies beautifully.
Step 5: Build the Middle Layer
Repeat the layering process: another third of the pudding mixture, the remaining cookies, the rest of the banana slices, and a second drizzle of melted cookie butter. This layered approach makes the dessert visually stunning and ensures every spoonful delivers a bit of every flavor and texture.
Step 6: Finish and Chill
Top with the last third of the pudding mixture. Then add dollops of the chilled whipped cream on top and smooth it out gently for a beautiful finish. Decorate with a few banana slices and the remaining half sleeve of whole Biscoff cookies. Finish with that final drizzle of Biscoff cookie butter for an irresistible shine. Refrigerate the whole creation for a few hours or ideally within 8 to 10 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
How to Serve Biscoff Banana Pudding with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Garnishes
When serving this pudding, simple garnishes can elevate your presentation. Fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of crushed Biscoff cookies, or a light dusting of cinnamon add both color and texture. A small drizzle of warmed cookie butter right before serving gives it that last touch of glossy indulgence that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Pairing this pudding with something light and refreshing like a crisp green salad or fresh berries can balance out the richness. If you’re serving it as part of a dessert spread, include some espresso or a cup of chai tea to complement the warm, spiced notes of the Biscoff cookies and dulce de leche beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try individual jars or stemmed glass parfaits to showcase the artful layers. Garnish each portion with a small Biscoff cookie perched on the rim or skewered banana slices for a playful touch. For parties, consider making mini trifle cups that highlight the pudding’s creamy layers and make serving a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pudding holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing other freezer odors or drying out. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir to refresh the creamy texture.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing this pudding is not recommended because the bananas and whipped cream don’t freeze well and can alter the texture. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days for optimum creaminess.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not advised. If you prefer your pudding at room temperature, simply let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, but do avoid warming it up which can break the delicate cream structure.
FAQs
Can I use fresh caramel instead of dulce de leche?
Fresh caramel can be used, but dulce de leche has a thicker, creamier consistency and a richer flavor that really elevates the pudding. If using caramel, opt for a thicker variety and adjust sweetness to taste.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?
Vanilla extract works as a substitute, though vanilla bean paste offers those tiny specks and an intense vanilla aroma that’s worth seeking out for this recipe.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients for texture and flavor, so adapting it to vegan requires multiple substitutions, such as non-dairy cream cheese, coconut milk, and egg-free pudding mixes, which will alter the taste and consistency.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas may become mushy when layered and can affect the pudding’s texture negatively.
Why do I need to let the pudding mix sit before assembling?
Allowing the pudding mix to rest lets it thicken and the flavors to meld, making the final texture creamier and more cohesive.
Final Thoughts
This Biscoff Banana Pudding with Dulce de Leche Recipe offers a cozy yet elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make but incredibly impressive to serve. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist, perfect for family gatherings or when you just want to treat yourself to something special. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a favorite that you make again and again.
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Biscoff Banana Pudding with Dulce de Leche Recipe
A decadent no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy Biscoff banana pudding, sweet dulce de leche, fresh banana slices, and crunchy Biscoff cookies, enhanced with whipped cream and drizzled with Biscoff cookie butter for an irresistible treat.
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including resting and assembly time)
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- ½ (4 ounce) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ (14-ounce) can dulce de leche
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt
- 1 (5.1 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1¼ cups milk (2% or whole)
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy cream
Layers and Toppings
- 1½ biscoff cookies (from 8.8 ounce sleeves, plus an extra ½ sleeve for garnish)
- 5–6 bananas, thinly sliced
- ½ cup biscoff cookie butter, melted
Instructions
- Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add half the can of dulce de leche, sour cream, vanilla bean paste, and kosher salt. Continue whipping until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Add Pudding and Milk: Stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix using medium to low speed to dissolve any lumps. Slowly drizzle in the milk with the mixer on the stir setting until fully incorporated. Taste the mixture and add more dulce de leche if a sweeter flavor is desired. Cover and let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and better texture.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, approximately 3-4 minutes. Reserve about 1¼ cups of whipped cream in a bowl in the refrigerator for topping later. Fold the remaining whipped cream gently into the pudding mixture until uniform with no streaks.
- Layer the Dessert: In a serving dish, spread one-third of the pudding mixture. Top with half of the Biscoff cookies broken into pieces and half of the sliced bananas. Drizzle a bit of melted cookie butter evenly over the layer.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another one-third of the pudding mixture on top, followed by the remaining Biscoff cookies and banana slices. Drizzle more melted cookie butter over this layer. Finish with the last third of the pudding mixture.
- Finish and Chill: Dollop the reserved whipped cream over the top of the pudding and smooth it out gently. Garnish with a few banana slices and the reserved half sleeve of whole Biscoff cookies. Drizzle the remaining melted cookie butter on top. Refrigerate the assembled pudding until ready to serve. For best taste and texture, serve within 8-10 hours.
Notes
- Letting the pudding mixture rest allows the instant pudding to fully set and enhances the flavor.
- You can prepare the pudding mixture the day before and assemble it closer to serving time.
- Melt the Biscoff cookie butter gently to drizzle smoothly over the layers.
- Using ripe but firm bananas helps maintain their shape and texture in the dessert.
- The dessert is best served within 8-10 hours after assembly to preserve freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
