Description

This classic banana pudding recipe layers creamy vanilla pudding with ripe bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers for a deliciously nostalgic dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Rich, smooth, and sweet, it’s a comforting treat that combines the best flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 box of vanilla wafers (about 12 oz)
4 ripe bananas, sliced

Pudding Mixture

1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
4 cups of whole milk
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup of heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed to prevent lumps.
Add Milk and Cook: Gradually whisk in the milk to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a smooth pudding consistency.
Incorporate Egg Yolks: Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl, then gradually add a few spoonfuls of the hot pudding mixture to temper the yolks. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring continuously.
Finish Pudding Base: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor throughout the pudding.
Assemble Layers: In a serving dish, alternately layer a single layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then a layer of the pudding mixture.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pudding layer on top.
Prepare Whipped Cream: Beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, then spread it evenly over the top of the pudding layers.
Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to set completely before serving.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
To prevent banana slices from browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice before layering.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream in the topping.
This dessert can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Ensure constant stirring while cooking the pudding to avoid lumps and burning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine: American Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: banana pudding, classic dessert, vanilla wafers, homemade pudding, southern dessert, creamy banana dessert