Banana Torte is a delightful layered dessert that combines a buttery walnut crust with a creamy cream cheese and whipped topping filling, finished with sliced bananas and smooth banana pudding. This nostalgic no-bake-style dish became especially popular in mid-century American kitchens for potlucks, picnics, and holidays. Its blend of textures, crunchy base, soft banana, silky pudding, and fluffy topping, makes it a crowd-pleaser that balances flavor and comfort. Simple to prepare and wonderfully rich, it's often chilled and served cold, making it perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (unsalted butter, softened)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip (or other whipped topping, divided)
- 5.1 oz instant banana pudding (5.1 oz)
- 2¾ cups cold milk (for pudding)
- 4 to 5 ripe bananas
Optional
- extra chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Mix flour and butter until crumbly
- Stir in chopped walnuts
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden
- Cool completely
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Layer
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth
- Fold in half of the Cool Whip
- Spread evenly over the cooled crust
Step 3: Add Banana Layer
- Slice bananas
- Arrange evenly over the cream cheese mixture
Step 4: Prepare Pudding Layer
- Prepare banana pudding according to package directions
- Pour over the sliced bananas and smooth the top
Step 5: Finish and Chill
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top
- Sprinkle with extra walnuts if desired
- Chill for 1–2 hours before serving
Tips
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla to the cream cheese mixture for richer flavor.
- Substitute banana pudding with vanilla pudding if bananas are very ripe.
- Add a toasted walnut or pecan layer for extra crunch.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top for a sweeter finish.
- Use stabilized whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if preferred.
- Add sliced strawberries along with bananas for a mixed-fruit twist.
- Make individual parfait-style servings in jars for portion control.
- Chill the dessert overnight for the cleanest slices.
- Swap the crust with a graham cracker crust if you want a no-nut option.
Nutrition
Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3.5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 550IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 0.7mg
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