Description
This classic Banana Pudding recipe features a creamy, homemade vanilla pudding layered with ripe bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s a comforting Southern dessert perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time. The pudding is cooked on the stovetop and chilled until set, then topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Layers
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 50 wafers)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients and milk: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Cook pudding base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 6-8 minutes or until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil, ensuring it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
- Temper egg yolks: Remove the saucepan from heat. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to slowly raise the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them.
- Combine and thicken pudding: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Return to medium-low heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens further. Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.
- Cool pudding slightly: Let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes to slightly thicken further and prevent melting the wafers during assembly.
- Assemble dessert layers: In a serving dish or individual glasses, layer vanilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, then a layer of pudding. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of pudding.
- Chill: Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let flavors meld and pudding set.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream, additional banana slices, or crumbled vanilla wafers for extra texture and presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy layers.
- For best texture, press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding surface before chilling to prevent a skin from forming.
- Vanilla wafers can be substituted with other similar cookies or biscuits if desired.
- This pudding is best enjoyed within 2 days of assembling.
- To speed cooling, place pudding in a shallow dish and stir occasionally before assembling.
