1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. No Bake Chunky Monkey

No Bake Chunky Monkey

Section: Sweet Desserts & Treats

This dessert features layers of graham crackers alternating with creamy vanilla and chocolate pudding blends folded with whipped topping. Slices of fresh banana add a fruity touch, while crumbed graham crackers provide a crunchy finish. Prepared without baking, it simply requires chilled setting time to meld flavors and textures. Easy to assemble in a foil-lined dish, it offers a balanced combination of silky puddings and crumbly layers, perfect for a cool and satisfying sweet treat.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman wearing a pink apron is cutting a cake.
Last modified on Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:51:07 GMT
A dessert with bananas and whipped cream. Pin it
A dessert with bananas and whipped cream. | dinabakery.com

This no-bake Chunky Monkey Cake is a delightfully simple dessert that combines layers of creamy vanilla and chocolate pudding with the fresh sweetness of bananas and the satisfying crunch of graham crackers. It’s perfect when you want a quick treat that feels homemade without turning on the oven.

I first made this for a last-minute family gathering and everyone loved the balance of flavors and textures. It soon became a favorite for summer parties and casual get-togethers with friends.

Ingredients

  • Vanilla pudding mix: three point four ounces adds a smooth, creamy layer that complements the banana slices
  • Chocolate pudding mix: three point nine ounces brings a rich cocoa flavor for contrast
  • Cold milk: three cups divided for mixing the pudding blends smoothly, use whole milk for creamier results
  • Whipped topping: two cups divided adds lightness to the puddings making the layers fluffy and soft
  • One large banana: adds fresh, natural sweetness and creamy texture
  • One box graham cracker squares: provides a crunchy, slightly sweet foundation and layers choose fresh crackers with no broken pieces if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Lay the foundation:
Line a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with foil to make removal easier. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom. Breaking a few to fill gaps is fine.
Whip up the vanilla pudding layer:
In a medium bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with one and a half cups of cold milk until thickened. Gently fold in one cup of the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. Spread evenly over the graham cracker base.
Add the second cracker layer:
Carefully place another layer of graham crackers on top of the vanilla pudding, making sure it covers the layer completely for structure.
Mix and fold the chocolate pudding:
In a separate bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with the remaining one and a half cups of cold milk. Fold in the remaining cup of whipped topping until creamy and light. Spread this chocolate mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer.
Set and chill:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to allow it to fully set and the flavors to meld.
Top and serve:
When ready to serve, slice the banana thinly and arrange the slices evenly over the chilled cake. Crush one graham cracker into fine crumbs and sprinkle on top for a little extra crunch. Slice into squares and enjoy.
A slice of chocolate cake with bananas and whipped cream. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake with bananas and whipped cream. | dinabakery.com

My favorite ingredient has to be the banana which adds just the right natural sweetness and ties all the pudding flavors together. It reminds me of family potlucks where kids rush to grab a plate first because this cake disappears fast.

Storage tips

Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. The graham crackers absorb moisture over time, so it is best enjoyed within a couple of days for optimal texture.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap the vanilla pudding mix for a banana flavored pudding to amplify the fruity notes. Use coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy free version but note the texture might be slightly thinner. For whipped topping, homemade whipped cream works beautifully with a richer taste.

Serving suggestions

This cake is perfect on its own or paired with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top can add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.

Cultural context

A slice of cake with bananas and nuts. Pin it
A slice of cake with bananas and nuts. | dinabakery.com

This recipe taps into the nostalgic American love for layered pudding desserts and no-bake treats, which became especially popular for easy entertaining during the summer months. Using graham crackers as a base is a classic in many layered desserts like s'mores pies or icebox cakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute fresh bananas with another fruit?

Yes, slices of strawberries or peaches work well with the pudding and cracker layers, offering a fresh contrast.

→ How do I prevent graham crackers from becoming soggy?

Ensuring even pudding layers and chilling the dessert long enough helps the crackers absorb moisture without losing crunch.

→ Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely, letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up, improving texture.

→ Is there a recommended way to serve this dessert?

Cut into squares and serve chilled, garnished with crushed graham cracker crumbs for a nice texture contrast.

→ What whipped topping works best for folding into puddings?

A stabilized whipped topping like COOL WHIP holds its shape well and adds lightness to the creamy pudding layers.

No Bake Chunky Monkey

A chilled layered dessert with bananas, chocolate, vanilla pudding, and graham crackers for a creamy, rich treat.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
~
Total Preparation Time
15 minutes
By: Dina

Featured in: Desserts

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Number of Portions: 9 Serving Size

Dietary Options: Vegetarian Option

The Ingredients You'll Need

→ Pudding and Dairy

01 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
02 3 cups cold milk, divided
03 3.9 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
04 2 cups whipped topping (COOL WHIP), divided

→ Fruits

05 1 large banana

→ Base

06 1 box graham cracker squares

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil. Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares evenly on the bottom, breaking some as needed to fit.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix with 1.5 cups of cold milk until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping gently. Pour mixture over the graham cracker base and spread evenly.

Step 03

Place another layer of graham cracker squares over the vanilla pudding layer, covering it entirely.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk chocolate pudding mix with remaining 1.5 cups of cold milk until smooth. Fold in remaining 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer.

Step 05

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow layers to set fully.

Step 06

Before serving, slice the banana thinly and arrange evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Crush one graham cracker and sprinkle the crumbs on top. Slice and serve chilled.

Extra Tips

  1. Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Medium mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap

Allergy Information

Check ingredient labels to avoid allergens, and speak to an expert if necessary.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Details (per serving)

These figures are for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: 145
  • Fat: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams