It is that time of year again when girls are out hustling, selling Girl Scout cookies, and working hard to reach their goals. And while you could absolutely grab a box and snack on them straight from the sleeve, sometimes it is more fun to turn them into something a little extra. This recipe uses one of the classics, Trefoils, those simple shortbread cookies that honestly take this banana pudding to another level. I would choose them over traditional vanilla wafers any day, and it feels even better knowing you are supporting girls who are learning confidence, business skills, and how to work toward something they really want.
If you are already in dessert mode, there are a few more treats you will want to add to your list. S’mores Bars are always a hit when you want something gooey and nostalgic, while Oreo Delight is perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. And if you are in the mood for something rich and chocolate-forward, Dubai Chocolate Bark is an easy no-bake option that feels a little extra without a lot of work.
Equipment
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Ingredients
- Vanilla instant pudding mix – 1 (5.1 oz) box
- Milk
- Sweetened condensed milk – 1 (14 oz) can
- Cool Whip – 1 (16 oz) container
- Bananas
- Girl Scout Trefoil Cookies – 1 (9 oz) box
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold in three-fourths of the Cool Whip into the mixture.
Add one-third of your pudding mixture into a trifle dish or a large bowl. Layer half of the sliced bananas and cookies on top, then cover with another third of the pudding, followed by the remaining bananas and cookies. Spread the rest of the pudding over the top and finish with the remaining Cool Whip.
Let the pudding chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
How do I serve my Trefoil Banana Pudding?
- To serve, use a large serving spoon to scoop out a serving onto a saucer or into a bowl and enjoy. You can add extra cookies for fun or added crunch.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
Yes, if you would like to use a homemade from-scratch pudding, you can. At which point, you could forgo the sweetened condensed milk and mix the Cool Whip in. You would also only use the milk needed for your recipe for making the pudding. However, you will need to wait until the pudding has chilled to add the Cool Whip on top, or it will melt.
This really comes down to personal preference as to how thick you would like them to be. But the general rule of thumb is to slice them 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick. Note that if you cut them very thick, you will need more bananas to cover each layer.
The Trefoil Cookie is like a shortbread cookie sold by the Girl Scouts. It is only sold once a year, but they freeze very well, so if you want to buy several boxes so you can make this dish even when they are not in season, that is an option as well.
Yes, you can make it 24 to 48 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Though they keep for 4-5 days, the cookies will become softer the longer they are stored, as they absorb the pudding's moisture.
It's always a sad time when Girl Scout cookie season comes to an end. However, there are two other types of cookies that can be used as substitutes in banana pudding. The first option is vanilla wafers, or you can use Chessmen cookies from Pepperidge Farm.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Vanilla instant pudding – A banana-flavor pudding is also an option.
- Milk – Whole milk would be best for this dish.
- Cool Whip – There is a reduced sugar option if you would prefer.
- Girl Scout Trefoil Cookies – Vanilla wafers are a more traditional option. But if you would like to stick with the Girl Scout cookies and need a gluten-free option, there are also the Toffey Tastic cookies.
How should I store my Banana Pudding?
- Trefoil Banana Pudding should be stored covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Serve chilled.
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Trefoil Banana Pudding
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Trifle dish or large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 5.1 oz box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 16 oz container Cool Whip, thawed and divided
- 5 bananas sliced
- 1 9 oz box Girl Scout Trefoils cookies lightly broken
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold in three-fourths of the Cool Whip into the mixture.
- Add one-third of your pudding mixture into a trifle dish or a large bowl. Layer half of the sliced bananas and cookies on top, then cover with another third of the pudding, followed by the remaining bananas and cookies. Spread the rest of the pudding over the top and finish with the remaining Cool Whip.
- Let the pudding chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
