Banana pudding is a timeless dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it’s a treat loved by kids and adults alike. This recipe is simple to follow and yields a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s an elegant sweet treat; one will make an impression similar to the tuxedo cake and non-bake desserts.
Table of contents
Why I love Banana Pudding
- The Perfect Blend of Flavors: Banana pudding strikes the ideal balance between sweet and creamy. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, the pudding is velvety smooth, and the cookies add a hint of vanilla and crunch. Each bite is a harmonious combination of flavors.
- It’s nostalgic and comforting. For many of us, banana pudding is tied to cherished memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or special celebrations with marshmallow treats. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past.
- The Textural Delight: What’s not to love about the layers? The soft bananas, creamy pudding, and slightly crisp or soaked cookies create a texture that keeps you coming back for more. It’s like a symphony of sensations in every bite.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Banana pudding is unpretentious yet always impresses. Whether served in a simple casserole dish or fancy dessert glasses, it manages to steal the spotlight without trying too hard.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Banana pudding is a dessert that pleases everyone, from kids to grandparents. Its approachable flavor and comforting nature make it a universal crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- A cup of all-purpose flour or you can use 6 tablespoons of cornstarch – to thicken your pudding and skip the flour.
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas – sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Grated dark chocolate for garnish
- lemon juice – a splash
How to make Banana Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the pudding base
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
2: Temper The Eggs
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks.
- Slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to the beaten yolks, whisking continuously.
- Gradually incorporate the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring well.
3: Finish The Pudding
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pudding reaches a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Allow it to cool.
STEP 4: Assemble The Layer Your Banana Pudding
To assemble the pudding, I start by layering vanilla wafers on the bottom of a glass bowl or trifle dish. Then I add a layer of fresh banana slices on top of the wafers. I repeat this process until I’ve used all the ingredients, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
- Layer the Cookies: In a large serving dish or individual dessert cups, create a base layer of vanilla wafers.
- Add the bananas: Top the cookies with a layer of sliced bananas.
- Spread the Pudding: Pour a layer of warm pudding over the bananas, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering cookies, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
Step 5-6. Chill, Garnish & Serve
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours for flavors to meld.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Before serving, spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the pudding.
- Garnish: Add a few crushed cookies, grated dark chocolate, or banana slices on top for decoration.
Related Post: Can You Freeze Uncooked Dressing?
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas that are slightly spotted for the sweetest flavor.
- Prevent Browning: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice if you want to prevent them from browning.
- Make Ahead: Banana pudding tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers.
- Banana Cream Pie Twist: Use a Graham cracker crust at the bottom for a pie-like version.
- Healthier Version: Substitute low-fat milk and use reduced-sugar cookies for a lighter dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in individual cups for portion control and presentation.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Add toasted coconut or nuts on top for extra texture.
Serve with Drinks
Pair banana pudding with beverages that complement its flavors:
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness balances the sweetness.
- Iced coffee, tea, or lemonade: Refreshing drinks lighten the richness.
- Milkshakes: Banana or vanilla milkshakes create a double-dessert delight.
Storage Tips
Banana pudding typically lasts 2-3 days in the fridge. After that, the bananas may start to brown and become mushy, and the layers may lose their texture. For the best flavor and appearance, enjoy it sooner rather than later.
Other Posts: Can you Freeze Charcuterie or Cured Meats?
Banana Pudding Recipe
Elevate your dessert experience with our delicious and easy banana pudding. This unique twist on the classic banana pudding promises layers of indulgence, combining rich flavors with a hint of freshness.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Serving glasses or trifle bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour or you can use 6 tablespoons of cornstarch - to thicken your pudding and skip the flour.
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas - sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Grated dark chocolate for garnish
- lemon juice - a splash
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Temper the Eggs
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks.
- Slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to the beaten yolks, whisking continuously.
- Gradually incorporate the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring well.
Step 2 Alternative: If you choose to use cornstarch to thicken the pudding
- Instead of all-purpose flour, first make a slurry to avoid creating lumps. You do this by following this process:In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk or water to create a smooth paste (slurry).
- Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the hot milk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 3: Finish the Pudding
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pudding reaches a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter, vanilla extract, and lemon. Allow it to cool.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
- In serving dishes or a trifle bowl, create layers using vanilla wafer cookies, sliced bananas, and the prepared pudding.
Step 5: Chill
- Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the fridge & gently spread the whipped cream over the pudding layers.
- Grate dark chocolate over the top for a finishing touch.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.
