banana pudding scratch recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best banana pudding scratch recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite banana pudding scratch recipe that’s been passed down for generations. This classic dessert is a staple at every family gathering, and for good reason – it’s creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious. The combination of fresh bananas, rich vanilla pudding, and a hint of nutmeg is absolute perfection.

As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep time. My kids can’t get enough of the sweet, velvety texture and the fact that it’s made with real ingredients makes me feel good about serving it to them. When I’m in charge of bringing a dessert to potlucks or family events, this is always the first thing I turn to.

It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a light dessert, a snack, or even as a topping for ice cream or cake.

The possibilities are endless! And did I mention it’s also ridiculously healthy? With fresh bananas, low-fat milk, and no artificial flavors or preservatives, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your loved ones.

My grandkids adore helping me make this recipe because they love mashing up the bananas and getting their hands dirty in the process. It’s such a fun activity for them (and me!) to do together.

My mom used to make this exact same recipe when I was growing up, and now I get to pass it down to my own kids. There’s just something special about sharing food traditions with the next generation that makes my heart happy.

Classic Banana Pudding from Scratch

4.9 from 939 votes

A creamy and comforting dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and homemade custard. This recipe is a classic that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Custard

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
2 large egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

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

For Assembly

1 box vanilla wafers
4 ripe bananas

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat.
2Stir until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
3This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4Keep stirring to prevent burning.
5In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
6Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
7Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
8Cook the custard over medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9This should take about 2-3 minutes.
10Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
11Let it cool to room temperature.
12In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
13This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Set aside.
14Slice the bananas into a bowl.
15In a glass baking dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of bananas, and then a layer of the custard.
16Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of custard on top.
17Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top layer of custard.
18Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding is chilled and set.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Glas baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the custard. You can also use store-bought vanilla wafers for convenience.

This banana pudding scratch recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert or using it as a topping for ice cream or cake, this recipe never fails to impress.

And the best part? It’s ridiculously healthy!

With fresh bananas, low-fat milk, and no artificial flavors or preservatives, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your loved ones.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Pudding from Scratch

Q: What type of milk should I use in this recipe?

For the creamiest results, I highly recommend using whole milk or 2% milk. You can also use almond milk or other non-dairy alternatives if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Q: Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?

While frozen bananas will work in a pinch, they’ll add a slightly different texture to your pudding. If you do choose to use frozen bananas, be sure to thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels before using.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe comes together quickly – you can have it ready in under an hour! Just be sure to plan ahead and let your pudding chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different flavor combinations?

This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can experiment with different flavor combinations like adding cinnamon or nutmeg for extra spice, or using different types of milk like coconut or oat milk.

Q: What if I don’t have any pudding mix on hand?

No worries! You can easily make homemade pudding from scratch using cornstarch, sugar, eggs, and milk. This will give you an even richer flavor than store-bought mix.

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