Trifle that turns adults into kids

Ingredients:

18 whole graham crackers, divided

3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1 container frozen whipped topping, 12 ounces, thawed and divided

1 package banana cream or vanilla instant pudding mix, 3.4 ounces

1 cup milk

1 lemon

4 large bananas

Instructions:

Finely crush half of one graham cracker and set it aside for decorating the top.

Crumble the remaining graham crackers into small pieces and set them aside.

To make the chocolate ganache, place the chocolate chips and 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until the mixture is melted, smooth, and glossy. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until it begins to thicken.

Fold in the remaining whipped topping until the filling becomes light, creamy, and smooth.

Juice the lemon until you have about 2 tablespoons of juice.

Peel the bananas and cut them into thick slices or bite sized pieces. Place them in a bowl, add the lemon juice, and toss gently. This helps keep the bananas fresh and bright.

Set aside 12 banana slices for decorating the top.

To assemble the trifle, spread half of the crumbled graham crackers in the bottom of a trifle bowl.

Add half of the bananas over the crackers.

Spoon or drizzle one third of the chocolate ganache over the bananas.

Spread half of the banana cream filling over the ganache, making sure it reaches the edges.

Repeat the layers with the remaining graham crackers, bananas, ganache, and banana cream filling.

Decorate the top with the remaining chocolate ganache, the reserved banana slices, and the finely crushed graham cracker.

Chill before serving so the layers can soften slightly and the flavors come together.

Servings

Makes about 16 servings.

Helpful Tip

For a prettier layered look, place the ganache in a small plastic bag, cut off one corner, and pipe it around the inside edges of the bowl before drizzling the rest over the bananas.