Pistachio Cherry Banana Pudding

Layers of luscious vanilla pudding, sweet banana slices, and tart cherry filling with pops of pistachio and vanilla wafers for texture.

Total Time:
2 hours 30 minutes

Servings:
10

Ingredients

1 cup DOLE® Chef-Ready Cuts Sliced Bananas

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 package (instant) vanilla pudding mix

4 cups cold milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

¼ cup reserved cherry juice

1 Tbsp cornstarch

30-35 vanilla wafer cookies

1 cup DOLE IQF Red Tart Cherries, halved, juice reserved

fresh min leaves, for garnish (optional)

In a large bowl, toss the bananas with the vanilla extract (to prevent browning).
Prepare the vanilla pudding mix according to package instructions, using the 4 cups cold milk. Let the pudding thicken slightly.

In a small saucepan, whisk together the cherry juice and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, create an even layer of half of the sliced bananas.
Sprinkle half of the chopped pistachios and half of the halved cherries over the banana layer.
Gently pour half of the vanilla pudding over the cherry and pistachio layer. Spread evenly.
Repeat steps 4-6 creating another layer. Then spread shipped cream evenly over the top pudding layer. Gently press the remaining chopped pistachios onto the whipped cream.
Cover the assembled banana pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled and set.
Before serving, decorate with additional cherries and fresh mint leaves (optional). Serve with vanilla wafer cookies on the side.