banana pudding dessert recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best banana pudding dessert recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite banana pudding dessert recipe! This classic Southern treat has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night dessert, this recipe never fails to impress.

The creamy texture and sweet flavor of the bananas, paired with the crunch of the Nilla wafers, make it a true crowd-pleaser. As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal supervision – just pop it in the fridge until it’s chilled and serve. My kids adore helping me whip up this dessert, and they can’t get enough of the banana-y goodness.

I’ve even used this recipe as a fun activity for my kids’ parties – we set up a toppings bar with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and chopped nuts, and let the kids get creative with their own banana pudding masterpieces. It’s a win-win for everyone involved – delicious food and quality time with loved ones! And the best part?

This recipe is incredibly easy to customize to suit your family’s tastes. Want to add some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra boost of flavor? Go for it!

Want to use fresh bananas instead of frozen ones? No problem! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Classic Banana Pudding

4.7 from 1293 votes

A creamy and comforting classic dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a rich custard sauce, topped with whipped cream. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Custard

1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter

For the Topping

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Assembly

36 vanilla wafers
4 ripe bananas
1/2 cup chopped pecans

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
3Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
4Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks.
6Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
7Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
8Cook over medium heat until the custard thickens and reaches 160°F (71°C), about 2-3 minutes.
9Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until butter is melted.
10In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
11Using an electric mixer, beat until stiff peaks form.
Set aside.
12Slice bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.
13Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
14Top with a layer of bananas, followed by a layer of custard.
15Repeat layers, ending with a layer of custard.
16Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top layer.
17Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top, covering the entire surface.
18Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowl
8×8-inch baking dish
Electric mixer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a quicker version, use instant pudding mix instead of making the custard from scratch. To make ahead, assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight. Garnish with additional bananas and whipped cream before serving.

Watch Video Of How Classic Banana Pudding Works

This banana pudding dessert recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick dessert solution.

And because it’s so easy to store in the fridge for up to 24 hours (or freeze for later), you can whip it up whenever inspiration strikes.

For storage ideas, consider layering whipped cream on top before covering with plastic wrap or aluminum foil – this will prevent air from reaching the top layer and causing spoilage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Pudding

Q: What type of bananas are best for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using ripe Cavendish bananas. They’re sweet and creamy, making them perfect for banana pudding. You can also use other varieties like Gros Michel or Lady Finger bananas if you have them on hand.

Q: Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh bananas instead of frozen ones! Just be sure to peel them first and then chop them into small pieces before adding them to the pudding mixture.

Q: What’s the best way to chill the pudding?

To chill the pudding properly, I recommend refrigerating it for at least 2 hours or overnight. You can also speed up the chilling process by placing the bowl in an ice bath or by using an ice pack wrapped in a towel.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time! Simply prepare the pudding mixture up until the point where you add the whipped cream, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and serve.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is needed beyond what you’d typically have in your kitchen – just a medium-sized mixing bowl and a hand mixer or whisk will do!

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