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Banana Torte
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 335 kcal

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 9x13-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
Keyword banana, banana dessert, creamy, easy baking, heirloom recipe, layered dessert, no-bake, potluck, potluck dessert, vintage recipe
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