Introduction
Banana pudding is a comforting, nostalgic dessert that brings together creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers.
It’s a beloved classic in Southern cuisine and can be the highlight of any gathering or family meal. This homemade banana pudding recipe elevates the dish with a rich.
velvety pudding base that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a sweet treat, this banana pudding recipe combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The creamy pudding contrasts beautifully with the bananas and the wafers, making each bite a delight.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Assembly:4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)
Instructions
Start by preparing the pudding. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the whole milk.
heavy cream, and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer.
While the milk and cream are heating, whisk together the cornstarch and egg yolks in a separate bowl.
Once the milk mixture is simmering, slowly pour a small amount into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly.
This helps temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling when added to the hot mixture.
Next, slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream.
Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the pudding thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the pudding has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and butter.
The butter will melt and add a smooth richness to the pudding. Let the pudding cool slightly before assembling.
In a trifle dish or a large serving bowl, begin layering the dessert. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of the dish.
followed by a layer of banana slices. Then, spoon a generous amount of the pudding over the bananas and wafers.
Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used, making sure the final layer is a smooth layer of pudding on top.
For an extra touch, garnish with a few vanilla wafers on top or even a few banana slices. Let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How to Make
Making homemade banana pudding starts with creating the pudding base. The key to a silky, smooth pudding is ensuring that the milk.
cream, and sugar are heated just enough to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth base before adding the egg yolks.
Tempering the eggs slowly with the hot liquid prevents them from cooking too quickly and scrambling.
Once you’ve combined the egg mixture with the hot liquid and thickened the pudding, it’s time to finish it off with vanilla and butter.
The vanilla extract adds flavor, while the butter gives the pudding a luxurious texture. It’s important to let the pudding cool down a bit before assembling so it doesn’t become runny when layered.
For the assembly, you want ripe bananas to ensure they are sweet and tender, adding to the overall flavor.
Layering the wafers and bananas evenly allows each spoonful to have the perfect mix of textures, from the creamy pudding to the crunch of the wafers.
Chilling the pudding after assembly is crucial. It lets the flavors meld together and helps the wafers absorb some of the pudding.
softening them just enough for that perfect bite. After a couple of hours in the fridge, the pudding is ready to serve, rich and indulgent.
Variations
If you’re looking to give your banana pudding a twist.
consider adding a layer of chocolate. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or some mini chocolate chips between the layers can give the dessert a deliciously decadent feel.
You could also use chocolate-flavored pudding in place of the vanilla to create a chocolate-banana combination.
For a more tropical flair, try incorporating shredded coconut or even a bit of crushed pineapple into the layers.
This adds a fresh, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana. If you prefer a lighter version.
you can substitute the heavy cream with more milk, although it may affect the richness of the pudding.
For a no-bake version, you can prepare the pudding in the same way but use store-bought pudding or whipped.
topping as a substitute for the homemade filling. This speeds up the process, making it an easy dessert for busy days.
Add some crunch by incorporating roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts into the layers. The nuts give an added dimension of flavor and texture.
that complements the soft bananas and creamy pudding. For an even richer taste, consider drizzling caramel sauce on top of the dessert before serving.
For a spiced variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding mixture, giving it a warm.
cozy flavor perfect for fall or winter. Alternatively, a touch of almond extract can offer a unique twist on the classic vanilla.
Tips
When making banana pudding, ensure your bananas are ripe but not overly soft to prevent them from becoming mushy in the dessert. Slicing them just before assembling helps keep them fresh and firm.
Tempering the eggs properly is crucial to avoid scrambled eggs in your pudding. Always whisk constantly when adding the hot milk mixture to the eggs to ensure they blend smoothly without curdling.
Make sure to let the pudding cool for a short time before assembling the dessert.
If it’s too hot when you layer it with the bananas and wafers, it may cause the bananas to brown and the wafers to become soggy too quickly.
To prevent the banana slices from browning, you can lightly coat them with lemon juice before assembling.
This will help maintain their bright color while adding a subtle citrus note that complements the sweetness of the pudding.
If you like extra crispy wafers, feel free to toast them lightly in the oven before using them in the recipe. This will enhance their crunchiness and add another layer of texture to the dessert.
For a creamier consistency, allow the pudding to chill for a longer time in the refrigerator, up to 4 hours or overnight. This will help it set perfectly, creating the ideal texture.
If you’re serving a large crowd, you can easily double the recipe and use a bigger dish for assembly.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain the creamy consistency of the pudding.
Conclusion
Homemade banana pudding is a timeless dessert that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy wafers.
it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to customize with your own variations and preferences.
Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, homemade banana pudding is a comforting treat that never goes out of style. Make it for your next gathering or just to enjoy a simple, satisfying dessert with loved ones.