Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

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If you’re a fan of Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich, then you know exactly how it feels to bite into a treat that combines creamy banana pudding flavors, vanilla wafers, and a delightful ice cream sandwich twist.

How to make Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich

Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich is a dessert treat that combines Blue Bell’s signature Banana Pudding Ice Cream with the classic ice cream sandwich format.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed or pureed for authentic banana flavor)
• 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers

For the Whipped Topping Layer:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• Soft baked vanilla wafer cookies (larger ones work best for the sandwich layers)
• Optional: banana slices (thin-cut for added texture)
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for shaping and freezing)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Banana Pudding Ice Cream

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the mashed bananas for that iconic banana flavor.
2. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually around 20-30 minutes until creamy and thick).
3. Once churned, gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers to add texture to the ice cream. Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm enough for assembly.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Topping

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed with a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate while you prepare the cookies.

Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches

1. Lay out your vanilla wafer cookies on a flat surface. Make sure they are uniform in size so the sandwiches look neat.
2. Scoop a generous dollop of banana pudding ice cream onto one vanilla wafer cookie. Spread it evenly but avoid making it too thin or messy.
3. Add a layer of whipped topping over the ice cream—you can pipe it if you want it to look professional, or gently spread it with a knife.
4. Top with another vanilla wafer cookie to complete the sandwich. Press gently to secure, but not so hard that the ice cream squishes out.
5. Optional: Add a thin slice of banana between the layers for extra flavor and texture.

Step 4: Freeze and Serve

1. Wrap each sandwich individually with plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep its shape. Place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours to set.
2. Once frozen and firm, unwrap and serve immediately—or store in the freezer for up to a week.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich

• Choose ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more natural the banana flavor will be.
• Soft, chewy cookies are key: You don’t want overly hard wafer cookies, as they can be difficult to bite into when frozen. Soft-baked ones mimic the Blue Bell version best.
• Get creative: You can dip the edges of your ice cream sandwiches in crushed vanilla wafers or sprinkles for a decorative touch.
• Work quickly during assembly: Ice cream melts fast! Chill all your components ahead of time, including the cookies, to make assembly easier.
• Store properly: For long-term storage, make sure you wrap the sandwiches tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What to serve with

While the Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich is a delicious standalone treat, pairing it with complementary sides, drinks, and desserts can elevate your serving experience even further.

1. Fresh Fruit Medley

Enhance the fruity flavors in the Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich by serving it with a refreshing fruit salad or sliced fruits. Ideal pairing options include:

• Sliced bananas to complement the sandwich’s flavour.
• Strawberries or raspberries for a vibrant contrast.
• Mango cubes or pineapple chunks for tropical vibes.
• Mint leaves to add freshness to the presentation.

2. Warm Drinks

Pairing the cold Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich with a warm drink creates a delightful contrast. Here are some great choices:

• Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the dessert and adds warmth.
• Latte with Cinnamon: The subtle spiced flavor goes perfectly with banana pudding-themed treats.
• Hot Cocoa: Elevate this pairing by adding cinnamon or caramel drizzle to the cocoa.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich at home is a delightful endeavor, but sometimes you may need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preferences.

1. Heavy Cream

Substitutes:

• Half-and-Half + Butter: For every 1 cup of heavy cream, mix 7/8 cup of half-and-half with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
• Whole Milk + Butter: Combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter to substitute 1 cup of heavy cream.
• Coconut Cream: Use an equal amount of coconut cream for a non-dairy and vegan-friendly option. This will also add a slight coconut flavor.
• Silken Tofu + Soy Milk: Blend equal amounts of silken tofu and soy milk for a thick, creamy substitute suitable for vegans.

2. Whole Milk

Substitutes:

• 2% Milk or Skim Milk: These are lighter but can work in the recipe, though the final product may not be as rich.
• Non-Dairy Milks: Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used in equal parts to substitute whole milk. Choose unsweetened versions to control the sweetness.
• Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy texture; use full-fat coconut milk for a richer result.

3. Granulated Sugar

Substitutes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use 3/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar, and reduce other liquid ingredients slightly.
• Agave Nectar: Replace 1 cup of sugar with 2/3 cup of agave nectar and reduce the other liquids.
• Coconut Sugar: A 1:1 substitute, coconut sugar gives a mild caramel flavor.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Use according to the product’s conversion guidelines, as these are much sweeter than sugar.

4. Pure Vanilla Extract

Substitutes:

• Vanilla Bean: Scrape the seeds from 1 vanilla bean pod as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Vanilla Powder: Use an equal amount; this may offer a more concentrated flavor.
• Almond Extract: Use half the amount suggested for vanilla extract, as it is more potent.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Use an equal amount to add sweetness and a slight flavor variation.

5. Ripe Bananas

Substitutes:

• Banana Flavoring or Extract: Use 1 teaspoon of banana extract in place of two ripe bananas for a stronger banana flavor without the texture.
• Apple Sauce: Use an equal amount to replace the mashed bananas. This will alter the flavor but maintain the moisture.
• Pumpkin Puree or Sweet Potato Purée: For a different taste but similar texture, use an equal amount of either puree.

6. Crushed Vanilla Wafers

Substitutes:

• Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers offer a similar texture with a slightly different flavor.
• Digestive Biscuits: Crushed and used in equal amounts, these provide a neutral and slightly sweet taste.
• Shortbread Cookies: For a richer substitution, use crumbled shortbread cookies.
• Gluten-Free Cookies: If catering to gluten-sensitive individuals, use gluten-free wafer cookies or any gluten-free biscuits.

7. Soft Baked Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Substitutes:

• Store-bought Vanilla Wafers: Using pre-made wafer cookies if unavailable or for convenience.
• Sugar Cookies: Soft-baked sugar cookies make for a delicious and similar-textured sandwich layer.
• Graham Crackers: Use as a sandwich filling, though the texture will be different.
• Gluten-Free Cookies: Use your favorite gluten-free cookie brand for those with gluten intolerance.
• Homemade Cookies: Bake a simple vanilla cookie or sugar cookie recipe if you prefer homemade.

8. Heavy Whipping Cream

Substitutes:

• Coconut Cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk, then whip the thickened cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Whipping Cream: While not as thick, it serves as a suitable substitute.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth and whip to create a vegan substitute.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas can be whipped up like heavy whipping cream for a vegan option.

9. Powdered Sugar

Substitutes:

• Granulated Sugar: Blend granulated sugar until it reaches a powdery consistency.
• Coconut Sugar: Similarly, blend until finely powdered for a less processed alternative.
• Stevia Blend: Purchase or make a powdered stevia blend, keeping in mind the higher sweetness level.

10. Banana Slices

Substitutes:

• Dried Banana Chips: Offer a different texture but still provide the banana flavor.
• Apple Slices: Thinly sliced for a crisp alternative.
• Pear Slices: For a juicy and mildly flavored replacement.
• Mango Slices: Add a tropical flair if bananas aren’t preferred.

Final Thoughts

The key to serving the Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich lies in balancing sweet, creamy flavors with contrasting textures and complementary options.

More Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe