banana pudding nilla wafer recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best banana pudding nilla wafer recipe

I’ve always been a fan of traditional Southern desserts, and banana pudding is one of my favorites. There’s something about the creamy texture and the sweetness of the bananas that just makes me happy. I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this Nilla wafer version is definitely my go-to.

The addition of vanilla wafers gives it a nice crunch and flavor that complements the pudding perfectly. My kids love helping me make this dessert, and they always get excited when they see the Nilla wafers coming out of the pantry. I’ve made this recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quick dessert after dinner.

It’s always a hit, and I love how easy it is to make. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by adding or substituting different ingredients. For example, I like to use fresh bananas instead of frozen ones for a better flavor and texture.

One thing I appreciate about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a traditional dessert with whipped cream or ice cream, or get creative and turn it into a trifle with layers of cake, pudding, and fruit. The possibilities are endless!

As for health benefits, banana pudding isn’t the most nutritious option, but it’s not terrible either. The bananas provide some potassium and fiber, while the vanilla wafers add a bit of calcium and iron. Of course, you can always make adjustments to make it healthier – try using low-fat milk or substituting sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Classic Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers

4.7 from 1205 votes

A delightful and creamy banana pudding made with layers of vanilla wafers and fresh bananas, topped with a smooth custard and whipped cream. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Custard

2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
5 egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Assembly

36 Nilla Wafers
4 ripe bananas
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan, combine milk, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, and 1 cup of sugar.
2Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer and small bubbles form around the edges.
3Remove from heat.
4In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks.
5Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking.
6Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
8Transfer the custard to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
9Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate until chilled.
10In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Set aside.
11Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.
12Arrange a layer of Nilla Wafers in the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
13Top with a layer of banana slices, followed by a layer of the chilled custard.
14Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of custard.
15Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top layer of custard.
16Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the pudding is set and the flavors have melded together.
17Before serving, garnish with additional Nilla Wafers and banana slices if desired.
18Serve chilled and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Hand mixer
8×8-inch baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the custard until smooth. To make ahead, assemble the pudding up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Additional toppings such as crushed peanuts or chocolate chips can be added for extra flavor.

This banana pudding is a great dessert for any occasion. You can make it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a simple family dinner. It’s a great recipe that everyone will love.

It’s also a great recipe to make with kids and it’s a great way to incorporate healthy foods into a dessert. It’s a great recipe and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s a great recipe that you can make ahead of time and it’s also a great recipe to make with kids.

It’s a great recipe that everyone will love and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s a great recipe that you can make ahead of time and it’s also a great recipe to make with kids. It’s a great recipe that everyone will love and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers

Q: What is the origin of banana pudding?

Banana pudding has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where it was often served at family gatherings and social events. The exact origin story is unclear, but it’s believed to have been popularized in the early 20th century by African American cooks in the South.

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

For this recipe, you’ll want to use ripe Cavendish bananas – they’re sweet and creamy, making them perfect for pudding. Avoid using green or unripe bananas as they’ll be too starchy and unpleasantly textured.

Q: Can I substitute other types of cookies for Nilla wafers?

You can experiment with different types of cookies or wafers to change up the flavor profile. Try using chocolate sandwich cookies for a more decadent dessert or shortbread cookies for a crumbly texture.

Q: How do I prevent the pudding from becoming too runny?

To avoid a soggy consistency, be sure to chill the pudding in the refrigerator before serving – this will help it set properly. If you’re worried about it getting too runny during serving, you can always refrigerate it again before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe can be made ahead of time – simply prepare the pudding mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

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