Make cream base: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar (if using). In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese.
Make pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant pudding with milk until thick. Fold into the cream mixture.
Add caramel: Fold 1/2 cup caramel sauce into the cream gently. (Don’t overmix — swirls are beautiful!)
Assemble:
Quickly dip ladyfingers in milk (don’t soak).
Layer in a dish.
Spread 1/3 of the cream.
Add sliced bananas.
Drizzle caramel.
Repeat layers until you reach the top.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, best overnight.
Finish: Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and crushed cookies.
🍌✨ Tips & Variations
Banana Prevention
Brush banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning (use very small amount).
Caramel Options
Salted caramel
Dulce de leche
Butterscotch
Flavor Boost
Add 1 tsp vanilla or banana extract to the cream
Sprinkle cinnamon between layers
Make It a Show-Stopper:
Layer in a glass trifle bowl or individual cups.
🍽️ Storage
Keeps 2–3 days, best texture after overnight chill. Bananas may soften — still delicious!
If you want, I can make: ✔ a quick 10-minute version ✔ a no-pudding version ✔ a from-scratch pastry cream version ✔ a sugar-free / low-carb version
