Description
Creamy, luscious banana pudding crowns Southern dessert tables with nostalgic comfort. Layers of silky vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers create sweet magic that will transport you to grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (750 ml) whole milk
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (12 oz / 340 g) vanilla wafers
Pudding Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, combine the powdered pudding mix with chilled dairy and sweetened condensed milk, whisking vigorously until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Allow the mixture to rest for several minutes, enabling it to thicken and develop its characteristic creamy texture.
- Select a transparent glass vessel or substantial serving dish to showcase the delectable layers. Arrange a uniform base of crisp vanilla wafers, creating a foundational crunch.
- Slice ripe, golden bananas into delicate, even rounds, carefully positioning them atop the wafer foundation to create a smooth, continuous layer that promises bursts of natural sweetness.
- Generously ladle the prepared pudding mixture over the banana layer, ensuring complete and even coverage that fills the spaces between the fruit slices.
- Methodically repeat the layering process, alternating between wafers, banana slices, and pudding until all ingredients are incorporated, concluding with a final luxurious pudding surface.
- Crown the dessert with a pillowy layer of whipped topping, spreading it gently to create an elegant, cloud-like appearance.
- For an artful finishing touch, delicately crush additional vanilla wafers and sprinkle the crumbs across the top, adding textural contrast and visual appeal.
- Carefully seal the dessert and transfer to the refrigerator, allowing it to rest and meld flavors for a minimum of four hours, though overnight chilling will yield the most sublime results.
Notes
- Wafer Tip: Choose crisp, fresh vanilla wafers for maximum crunch and flavor absorption in each layer.
- Banana Selection: Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and maintain structural integrity when slicing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert the night before serving to enhance flavor development and allow ingredients to blend perfectly.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular wafers with gluten-free alternatives and use sugar-free pudding mix for a lighter version suitable for specific dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 to 10
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg