This gingerbread banana pudding is such a fun and delicious dessert. Not only is it a unique dessert but it’s also a very easy no bake recipe.

I love to impress guests with this gingerbread banana pudding or bring it to potlucks for the holidays. This recipe is a very beautiful and festive dessert for the Christmas season.
This is an easy no bake recipe. I used prepackaged gingerbread men to make things easy but if you want to bake gingerbread men to use, you totally can! You can also substitute gingersnaps if that’s what you have on hand.
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Why this recipe is the BEST
I feel like this recipe is just a fun twist on a the delicious and classic banana pudding recipe. It’s a real crowd pleaser and it’s also super easy to make since there’s no baking required.
What ingredients do I need?
Start writing your list for your next grocery shopping trip or check your pantry because for this recipe you will need:
- Gingerbread men cookies (or gingersnaps)
- Bananas
- Whipped topping
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Cream cheese
- Molasses
- Vanilla extract
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
I recommend that you use an unsulphured molasses for the best possible flavor. A high quality vanilla extract will also make a big difference, especially since this is a no bake recipe. I used Pepperidge Farm brand gingerbread cookies for this recipe and while I recommend them, you can use a different brand and the recipe will still be delicious.
Do I have to use gingerbread men?
If you don’t have any gingerbread men, you can also use gingersnaps with this recipe.
What size dish do I need?
You will need a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish for this recipe.
How do I make this recipe?
To make this gingerbread man banana pudding, first gather and then measure out your ingredients. You will need:
- 2 bags of Pepperidge Farm gingerbread men (you can also use gingersnaps, if desired)
- 3 bananas (I used yellow bananas that were just beginning to get a little spotty)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 8 ounces of whipped topping such as Cool Whip
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (about 14 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon of high quality vanilla extract
- 1 heaping tablespoon of molasses
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
Begin by adding the cream cheese (softened to room temperature), whipped topping, vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, molasses, cinnamon and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl. Mix with a hand mixer for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mixture is no longer lumpy. Don’t overdo the molasses, one heaping tablespoon of molasses is plenty since molasses has a very strong flavor.
Next, peel and slice your bananas. In a large casserole dish add a layer of gingerbread man cookies and then ½ of the banana slices. You will want to add more cookies on the bottom than on the top to make the bottom more of a “crust.” If you are taking this dish to a potluck or gathering, check your gingerbread men! Add the broken ones to the bottom (no one will notice) and keep the nicer looking ones for the topping. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas. Next, top with more gingerbread men and the remaining half of the banana slices.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours before serving.
How do I store this recipe?
Store this recipe in it’s casserole dish covered in plastic food wrap or in an airtight container. It will be good for about two days afterwards. After two days the bananas tend to be very brown and the cookies will become too mushy.
Can I prep this recipe the night before?
You can absolutely prep this recipe the night before. I recommend waiting to add the extra banana on top until it’s time to serve or they will brown. Just set aside one of the bananas to peel and slice for when you’re ready to serve. If time doesn’t allow, you can brush the bananas with a very small amount of lemon juice to help prevent them from browning.
Can I freeze this recipe?
I am all about freezer friendly recipes but unfortunately, this recipe does not freeze well.
Other great banana recipes:
Gingerbread Banana Pudding
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch casserole dish
- Hand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 bags Pepperidge Farm gingerbread men you can also use gingersnaps, if desired
- 3 large bananas I used yellow bananas that were just beginning to get a little spotty
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces whipped topping such as Cool Whip
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk about 14 ounces
- 1 teaspoon high quality vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon molasses heaping
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Begin by adding the cream cheese (softened to room temperature), whipped topping, vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, molasses, cinnamon and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl. Don't overdo the molasses, one heaping tablespoon of molasses is plenty since molasses has a very strong flavor.
- Mix with a hand mixer for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mixture is no longer lumpy.
- Next, peel and slice your bananas.
- In a large casserole dish add a layer of gingerbread man cookies and then ½ of the banana slices. You will want to add more cookies on the bottom than on the top to make the bottom more of a "crust." If you are taking this dish to a potluck or gathering, check your gingerbread men. Add the broken ones to the bottom (no one will notice) and keep the nicer looking ones for the topping.
- Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas.
- Next, top with more gingerbread men and the remaining half of the banana slices.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours before serving.
Tori
Amazing twist to banana pudding!!! The taste is rich but light once it’s done chilling. I love it!
Melanie
Definitely looks like a yummy and fun recipe. The kids are going to love this one.
Rosario Arecco
delicious!
Swathi
This gingerbread banana pudding looks delicious
Catherine
Oh myyy! What an amazing flavour combo. Looks epic! 🙂
Alexandra
The perfect festive dessert and so delicious!
Amy
These are beyond cute! Love gingerbread!
Linda
I always love a no-bake recipe and this banana pudding is a must-try one.
Kay
Such a cute dessert for Christmas!
Lindsay
Wow, this looks delicious! Can’t wait to try!