Description
Make the best Banana Pudding Recipe in just 5 easy steps! Layer bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding for a delicious Southern dessert everyone will love
Ingredients
Classic From-Scratch Ingredients:
4–5 ripe bananas (firm, not overly soft)
1 box vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)
2 ½ cups whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 3 tbsp cornstarch)
¼ tsp salt
4 large egg yolks
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Whipped cream or meringue topping, for layering or garnish
⚡ Quick Shortcut Version:
1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 oz)
3 cups cold milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra richness)
1 tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Ripe bananas and vanilla wafers
Instructions
Classic Homemade Banana Pudding (Custard Style)
Make the Custard Base
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour (or cornstarch), and salt. Gradually whisk in milk over medium heat until smooth.Temper the Eggs
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour in a bit of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs (this prevents scrambling), then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.Cook Until Thickened
Stir constantly over medium heat until the pudding thickens—about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla extract.Layer the Dessert
In a trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom, followed by sliced bananas and a layer of warm pudding. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.Top and Chill
Add whipped cream or meringue topping, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to let the flavors meld and the pudding set.
⚡ Quick Banana Pudding (Instant Pudding Version)
Mix the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened.Combine with Condensed Milk (Optional)
For added creaminess, fold in sweetened condensed milk, then gently fold in whipped topping.Assemble the Layers
In a dish, alternate layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture. Repeat and end with a layer of pudding.Top and Chill
Add more whipped topping on top and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before serving.
🍨 Tip: For extra texture, crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top just before serving.
Notes
General Recipe Notes:
Bananas:
Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture and flavor. Overripe bananas can make the pudding mushy and affect the overall texture.
To prevent browning, lightly coat the banana slices with lemon or pineapple juice before layering them.
Pudding Consistency:
For the custard-style pudding, stir constantly while cooking to prevent lumps. Ensure it thickens to a custard-like consistency before removing from heat.
Instant pudding provides a shortcut but won’t be as rich as the homemade custard. It’s a good option if you’re short on time but still want a creamy result.
Whipped Cream vs. Meringue:
If you prefer whipped cream, top the pudding with a generous layer of whipped topping after chilling.
For a more traditional look, make a meringue topping by whipping egg whites and sugar, and bake it until golden. It adds a sweet, light finish.
Layering Technique:
Start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. This helps absorb some of the moisture and keeps the wafers from becoming too soggy.
Alternate layers of bananas and pudding until your dish is full, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Make sure the bananas are evenly distributed for balanced flavor and texture in each bite.
Chilling Time:
Refrigerating the banana pudding for a few hours—or overnight—is essential for allowing the pudding to set and for the flavors to meld together.
If you’re in a hurry, chilling it for at least 4 hours will work, but overnight chilling results in a firmer texture and deeper flavor.
Making Ahead:
Banana pudding is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it’s often even better the next day once the flavors have fully developed.
If you’re planning to make it the day before, consider adding fresh banana slices just before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Customization:
Add-ins: You can add a layer of peanut butter, chocolate, or coconut to give your banana pudding a unique twist.
Toppings: Try crushed vanilla wafers, caramel drizzle, or extra banana slices on top for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve banana pudding in a trifle dish for a beautiful, layered presentation.
For individual servings, mason jars or parfait glasses work wonderfully.
For an extra touch, add a garnish of fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon on top.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Lumpy Pudding: If your pudding ends up lumpy, blend it in a blender or use an immersion blender to smooth it out before layering.
Soggy Wafers: If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can toast the vanilla wafers slightly before layering to reduce moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT10M
- Category: Southern Desserts
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
Keywords: Banana Pudding Recipe, Banana pudding,Classic banana pudding