This classic dessert combines creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers into one delicious treat. It’s a Southern favorite that many people love.
Banana pudding recipe is simple to make, yet it tastes rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a sweet snack.
You’ll love banana pudding for its perfect balance of flavors. The pudding’s creaminess, the bananas’ softness, and the wafers’ crunch make every bite a delightful experience.
It’s also easy to make and requires no special skills or ingredients. Anyone can enjoy this dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is good for your heart. The vanilla wafers add a bit of crunch, and the pudding offers a comforting, creamy texture.
Making banana pudding is also a fun activity for the whole family. You can get creative with layers, and everyone can pitch in to help.
Ingredients for a Perfect Banana Pudding Recipe
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Milk: The base of your pudding. Whole milk works best for a rich, creamy texture. You can also use a dairy-free option if needed.
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Cream: Heavy cream gives the pudding a thick and velvety consistency, making this banana pudding extra indulgent.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pudding. Use regular white sugar to balance out the flavors. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your dessert.
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Cornstarch: Helps thicken the pudding. It’s essential for achieving the smooth, custard-like texture we all love.
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Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness in the pudding. It balances the flavors perfectly.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor. It’s a must for that homemade taste.
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Egg Yolks: The yolks give the pudding its creamy texture and help it set properly. They also add richness and flavor.
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Bananas: The star of the dish! Fresh, ripe bananas are key to a perfect banana pudding. They should be sliced and added just before serving to keep them fresh.
How to Make Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Now, let’s discuss what goes into this delicious banana pudding recipe. Here’s everything you’ll need:
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup cornstarch
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 large egg yolks
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1 1/2 pounds of bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
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1 package vanilla wafers (about 10 ounces)
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Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
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Cinnamon or Nutmeg (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect banana pudding.
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Make the Pudding Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk them together over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice it start to coat the back of a spoon.
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Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time while whisking. Continue to whisk the mixture vigorously to avoid curdling. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes thicker.
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Flavor It: Remove the saucepan from the heat once the pudding reaches a thick, custard-like consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor.
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Cool the Pudding: Transfer the pudding to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature. Once it has cooled, please place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
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Prepare Bananas and Nilla Wafers: While the pudding is cooling, slice the bananas into thin rounds. In a separate bowl, layer the Nilla wafers at the bottom of your serving dish.
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Assemble the Pudding: Start by layering the cooled pudding on top of the Nilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Make sure you end with a layer of pudding.
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Top It Off: If you’re using whipped cream, spread it generously over the pudding. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor and a beautiful garnish.
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Chill and Serve: For the best texture, let the assembled banana pudding sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. The flavors will meld together, creating a delicious, creamy dessert everyone will love.
Banana Pudding Recipe Variations
Banana pudding is a versatile dessert that can be customized in many ways. Here are some fun variations to try:
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Chocolate Banana Pudding: Serve a layer of chocolate pudding on top of the dessert, or mix cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolate twist.
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Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Stir a little peanut butter into the pudding for a nutty, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
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Caramel Banana Pudding: Drizzle some caramel sauce over each layer for extra sweetness and a touch of luxury.
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Banana Pudding Parfaits: Make individual parfaits in glasses instead of a big dish for a fun twist. Layer the pudding, wafers, and bananas to create a personal serving.
How to Serve the Banana Pudding Recipe
Banana pudding is best served chilled. After allowing the dessert to set in the fridge for a couple of hours, scoop it into individual bowls or serve it directly from the dish. You can garnish the pudding with additional banana slices, whipped cream, or even a few crushed vanilla wafers on top. For a special touch, add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Banana pudding can be a comforting family dessert after dinner or at friends’ gatherings. It’s perfect for any occasion, from holidays to casual get-togethers.
How to Store a Banana Pudding Recipe
Properly storing banana pudding will keep it fresh for a few days. Here’s how:
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Refrigeration: Store the banana pudding in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
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Avoid Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze banana pudding, as the texture of the custard may change when it is thawed. The bananas may also turn mushy.
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Layering: If you make individual servings in jars or small containers, they will store well and be easy to grab for a quick snack.
For the best taste, enjoy your banana pudding within a few days to experience the full creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs About Banana Pudding Recipe
What is banana pudding?
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert made with layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and cookies, often Nilla wafers. It’s a delicious, creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
How do I make homemade banana pudding?
To make banana pudding from scratch, you need a few simple ingredients: milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cornstarch, bananas, and cookies. Start by making the vanilla pudding, then layer the pudding with sliced bananas and cookies in a dish. Chill before serving.
Can I use instant pudding mix for banana pudding?
Yes! If you’re short on time, use instant vanilla pudding mix instead of making it from scratch. Prepare it according to the package instructions, and follow the same layering process.
What kind of bananas should I use?
Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas may be too mushy and won’t hold up well in the pudding. Choose yellow bananas with a few brown spots for the best taste and texture.
Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! Banana pudding can be made a day in advance. Letting it sit in the fridge overnight helps the flavors blend and the pudding to thicken. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
