My Favorite Banana Pudding {From-Scratch}
Ingredients
- ½ cgranulated sugar
- ¼ ccornstarch
- 3 largeegg yolks
- ¼ tspsalt
- 2 ¾ c2% or whole milk
- ⅓ cheavy cream
- 1 tbspbutter
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 3bananas
- 35vanilla wafer cookies
like Nilla wafers
- 1 cheavy cream
- 2 tbsppowdered sugar
- ¼ tspvanilla extract
Directions
- 1
For the pudding, in a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt until well combined.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and cream until steaming and small bubbles form around the edges.
- 3
Slowly ladle the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly. This tempers the egg yolks so they don't scramble.
- 4
After all the hot milk has been whisked into the egg yolks, pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
- 5
Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly as the pudding comes to a simmer. Cook until large bubbles pop on the surface and the pudding has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 6
Immediately remove from the heat and pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl. This helps remove any small lumps from the pudding.
- 7
Add the butter and vanilla and stir into the pudding until evenly combined.
- 8
To assemble, spread 1 cup pudding in the bottom of an 8X8-inch square or circle baking dish.
- 9
Add a single layer of sliced bananas.
- 10
Add a layer of wafer cookies (about 25) on top of the bananas.
- 11
Dollop half of the remaining pudding (about 1 1/3 cups) in spoonfuls across the wafer cookies and spread to cover.
- 12
Add a single layer of sliced bananas.
- 13
OPTIONAL: You can add another layer of cookies here if you like. We are a house divided. My husband likes the extra cookies in this layer, but I prefer a more creamy pudding without them.
- 14
Spread the remaining pudding (about 1 1/3 cups) over the top. See note below about assembling the rest of the dessert.
- 15
Crush 10 to 12 wafer cookies into coarse pieces/crumbs and sprinkle over the top of the pudding layer.
- 16
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to set up (or up to 8 hours - it can be refrigerated longer, but the bananas may darken a bit in color).
- 17
For the whipped cream, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract together until medium peaks form.
- 18
Serve scoops of chilled banana pudding with a dollop of whipped cream on top and additional crushed wafer cookies, if desired.
My Favorite Banana Pudding {From-Scratch}
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About this Recipe
Indulge in My Favorite From-Scratch Banana Pudding
There's something truly magical about a classic, homemade banana pudding. Forget those boxed mixes – our My Favorite Banana Pudding {From-Scratch} recipe brings you back to the roots of this beloved Southern dessert, delivering an incredibly rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying experience. It's not just a dessert; it's a hug in a bowl, a taste of nostalgia that promises to become a family favorite.
What makes this from-scratch banana pudding so special? It all starts with a velvety, creamy pudding custard made with real egg yolks, milk, and heavy cream, cooked to perfection. This luxurious base is then layered generously with ripe, sweet bananas and crispy vanilla wafers, which soften beautifully as they soak up the delicious custard. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and natural sweetness, crowned with a dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream.
This recipe truly elevates the classic banana pudding to new heights. The key is in the homemade custard – it's surprisingly simple to make, yet it imparts a depth of flavor that can't be replicated. With a prep time of just 45 minutes, you'll be on your way to a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just a comforting treat, this easy banana pudding will be a showstopper.
Tips for Perfection:
- Banana Choice: Use ripe but firm bananas. They should have a few brown spots but not be overly mushy, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Custard Consistency: Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Don't rush it!
- Layering: Alternate layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding, finishing with a generous layer of pudding before chilling. This allows the wafers to soften perfectly.
Serve this delightful banana pudding chilled, perhaps with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra wafer crumbs for garnish. It's the ultimate comfort dessert that everyone will adore!