There’s something irresistible about the creamy nostalgia of banana pudding meeting the cool sweetness of Blue Bell ice cream. Imagine smooth layers of banana-rich ice cream nestled between soft vanilla wafers, frozen into a dreamy handheld dessert that melts with slow, velvety perfection.
Table of Contents
What is a Blue Bell banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich?
A delicious banana ice cream perfectly blended with whipped topping and vanilla wafers.
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 pint Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream, slightly softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (optional, for a creamier texture if blending with fresh bananas)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (optional for extra flavor)
For the Cookie Layer:
- 24 vanilla wafers (or thin vanilla cookies; choose ones that are soft enough to bite into when frozen)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, for a light caramel flavor
For Garnish (optional):
- Crushed vanilla wafers, for rolling the edges
- Sliced bananas for serving
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions To Make Blue Bell banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich:
Prepare the Cookie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the vanilla wafers on a lined baking tray.
- Brush each with melted butter and sprinkle a little brown sugar on top.
- Bake for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
Soften and Flavor the Ice Cream:
- Scoop the Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream into a large bowl.
- Let it soften at room temperature until smooth enough to spread.
- (Optional) Fold in the mashed banana and whipped cream for a silkier texture and stronger banana flavor.
- Spread the softened ice cream evenly in a parchment-lined baking pan to about 1-inch thickness.
- Freeze for 2–3 hours until firm enough to cut clean shapes.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Use a round cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut circles of ice cream matching the size of your wafers.
- Place one wafer flat side up, add the ice cream layer, and top with another wafer to form a sandwich.
- Press lightly to secure the filling.
- For extra flair, roll the edges in crushed wafers for a crumbly finish.
Freeze Again:
- Place all sandwiches on a tray lined with parchment.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
Tips For Perfect Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Timing matters: Allow the ice cream to soften evenly before spreading; this keeps the texture smooth and scoopable.
- Balance the layers: Too much ice cream makes them difficult to bite; aim for a clean ratio of cookie to filling.
- Storage tip: Wrap each sandwich individually in wax paper or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Flavor upgrade: Drizzle a touch of caramel sauce on the cookies before adding the ice cream for a banana-caramel twist.
- Serving idea: Top each sandwich with a dollop of whipped cream and a banana slice for a dessert-shop finish.
What To Serve Blue Bell banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich With
Drinks That Complement the Creamy Banana Flavor
- Southern Sweet Tea: A glass of chilled sweet tea enhances the smooth banana and vanilla notes in the sandwiches. The light tannins in the tea balance the sweetness and refresh the palate between bites.
- Cold Brew Coffee or Iced Latte: The roasted depth of coffee pairs beautifully with banana pudding flavors. Serve cold brew over ice with a splash of milk for a creamy contrast to the ice cream sandwich’s texture.
- Vanilla Milkshake Float: Blend Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream with milk to make a thick milkshake, then place half of a banana pudding sandwich on top as a garnish. The melting ice cream flows into the shake, creating a layered dessert drink.
- Sparkling Lemon Water: Light citrus bubbles lift the richness of the ice cream and cleanse the palate without overpowering the banana flavor.
Desserts And Sweet Sides:
- Mini Banana Trifles: Serve small glasses of banana slices, whipped cream, and crushed vanilla wafers to echo the flavors of the ice cream sandwiches. They look elegant beside the sandwiches on a dessert board.
- Caramel Drizzle or Butterscotch Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel or butterscotch adds richness and an aromatic sweetness that highlights the pudding flavor.
- Toasted Coconut Chips: Sprinkle a few crisp coconut chips on the plate for texture and a tropical twist. Their light crunch contrasts the creamy sandwich beautifully.
- Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a hint of vanilla bean paste and serve a spoonful beside each sandwich. It enhances the vanilla tones in the wafers and ice cream.
Fresh Fruit Pairings For Blue Bell banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich:
- Sliced Strawberries: The mild tartness of strawberries cuts through the sweetness of the banana pudding flavor and brings a bright pop of color to the plate.
- Blueberries and Raspberries: These berries offer a touch of acidity and a vibrant hue that makes your dessert spread look elegant and refreshing.
- Grilled Pineapple Rings: Warm pineapple caramelizes beautifully and deepens the fruity profile of the dessert. Serve lightly grilled rings on the side with a drizzle of honey.
Snack and Party Pairings:
- Vanilla or Banana Mini Cupcakes: Arrange small cupcakes on the same tray as your sandwiches for an easy party spread. The soft cake texture complements the cold, creamy filling perfectly.
- Graham Cracker Bites: Crisp Graham cracker squares dipped in melted white chocolate offer a playful crunch alongside the sandwiches.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: The mild tang of cream cheese pairs beautifully with banana pudding flavors. Serve a few bite-sized cheesecake portions beside your ice cream sandwiches.
Health Benefits Of Blue Bell banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich
Source Of Dairy Nutrients:
- Calcium: Important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Phosphorus: Helps the body use calcium effectively.
- Vitamin D (when fortified): Supports calcium absorption and bone health.
- Protein: Contributes to muscle maintenance and repair.
Banana’s Natural Benefits:
- Potassium: Essential for heart health and balanced blood pressure.
- Vitamin B6: Supports energy metabolism and healthy brain function.
- Dietary fiber: Aids in digestion and contributes to satiety.
- Energy Boost from Natural Sugars: The combination of milk sugars (lactose), bananas, and wafers provides a quick source of energy. For individuals needing a pick-me-up, such as after physical activity or during warm weather, the natural and added sugars in this dessert offer an enjoyable way to replenish energy levels.
Emotional and Mental Wellness:
- Encourage social bonding and shared happiness.
- Reduce stress levels through sensory enjoyment.
- Provide a nostalgic link to comforting memories, which supports emotional balance.
Moderate Fats For Satiety:
- Help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
- Provide sustained energy.
- Contribute to feelings of fullness when enjoyed in small portions.
Final Thoughts
Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwiches bring together everything that makes dessert feel like home: creamy texture, mellow banana flavor, and the comforting sweetness of southern tradition.
More Recipes:
- Copycat MrBeast Feastables Chocolate Milk Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Protein Boosted Milk Recipe
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Vanilla Milkshake Recipe
- Copycat Light And Fit Greek Yogurt Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 pint Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream, slightly softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (optional, for a creamier texture if blending with fresh bananas)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (optional for extra flavor)
For the Cookie Layer:
- 24 vanilla wafers (or thin vanilla cookies; choose ones that are soft enough to bite into when frozen)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, for a light caramel flavor
For Garnish (optional):
- Crushed vanilla wafers, for rolling the edges
- Sliced bananas for serving
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the vanilla wafers on a lined baking tray.
- Brush each with melted butter and sprinkle a little brown sugar on top.
- Bake for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
Soften and Flavor the Ice Cream:
- Scoop the Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream into a large bowl.
- Let it soften at room temperature until smooth enough to spread.
- (Optional) Fold in the mashed banana and whipped cream for a silkier texture and stronger banana flavor.
- Spread the softened ice cream evenly in a parchment-lined baking pan to about 1-inch thickness.
- Freeze for 2–3 hours until firm enough to cut clean shapes.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Use a round cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut circles of ice cream matching the size of your wafers.
- Place one wafer flat side up, add the ice cream layer, and top with another wafer to form a sandwich.
- Press lightly to secure the filling.
- For extra flair, roll the edges in crushed wafers for a crumbly finish.
Freeze Again:
- Place all sandwiches on a tray lined with parchment.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
