If you have a serious sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic comfort food, this Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe is exactly the kind of dessert you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. It’s a luscious, creamy treat that combines fresh banana slices, rich homemade vanilla pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers into one irresistibly layered masterpiece. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of silky texture with just enough bite from the wafers, making it a beloved classic that feels homemade and special every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe doesn’t require a pantry full of fancy ingredients, just straightforward staples that create magic when combined. Each component plays a key role—bananas add natural sweetness and freshness, milk makes the pudding creamy, and vanilla wafers bring that essential crumbly contrast.
- 3 ripe bananas: Choose ones that are just turning golden for extra sweetness and softness when sliced.
- 3 cups whole milk: Whole milk provides the pudding with a rich, creamy base—don’t skimp here for the best texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate banana flavor.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: The magic thickener that transforms your pudding into a silky, luscious custard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 4 large egg yolks: These give the pudding richness and help it set beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Stirred in at the end, butter adds a velvety finish and depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This is your go-to for that classic, warming vanilla aroma in every spoonful.
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 ounces): Crispy and sweet, they add the much-loved textural contrast in every layer.
- Whipped cream or meringue for topping (optional): A fluffy touch on top that makes the dessert even more irresistible.
How to Make Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Begin by whisking together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan to ensure even distribution. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is silky smooth. Meanwhile, lightly beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl—this step is key to the custard’s rich texture. Heat the milk mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and just starts to bubble, signaling that the starch is activated.
Step 2: Temper the Eggs
Now, take about 1/2 cup of that hot pudding mixture and pour it slowly into the egg yolks while whisking vigorously. This tempering step prevents your eggs from scrambling and helps maintain that silky pudding texture. Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and continue cooking over medium heat, whisking nonstop until thick and creamy.
Step 3: Finish the Pudding
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract. These final additions bring the pudding to life with a glossy finish and deep vanilla fragrance. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before assembling your dessert.
Step 4: Layer Your Banana Pudding
In a 2-quart serving dish, start layering with vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices, then a generous layer of your warm pudding. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, making sure the final layer is pudding. This layering not only looks inviting but ensures every bite is a balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy flavors.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Cover your assembled banana pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time lets the flavors meld beautifully and the wafers soften just enough to create that melt-in-your-mouth sensation classic to banana pudding. Before serving, add a fluffy topping of whipped cream or meringue if you like your dessert with an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.
How to Serve Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, or a few chocolate shavings can elevate the look and flavor of your banana pudding. A dollop of whipped cream on top not only makes it prettier but adds a creamy lightness that pairs perfectly with the dense pudding.
Side Dishes
This Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe makes a delightful finale to any meal. Serve it alongside coffee or a light fruit salad to complement the richness. For a Southern-inspired meal, pair it after fried chicken or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance sweetness with savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pudding in individual glass jars for personal portions that look charming for gatherings. Layering it in clear trifle bowls shows off the beautiful layers and makes a stunning centerpiece. You can also use fun-shaped bowls or ramekins to match a party theme or entertain kids.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pudding continues to thicken and the flavors deepen, but the bananas may brown slightly, so try to enjoy it fresh when possible.
Freezing
While freezing banana pudding is possible, it’s not ideal because the texture of both the bananas and the pudding may change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Since banana pudding is best served chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. If you must warm it, do so gently in the microwave for short intervals just until slightly warm, but be aware that this may soften the wafers further and alter the dessert’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk gives the pudding its creamy richness, so using low-fat milk will make the final dessert less luxurious and slightly thinner. If you want to lighten it up, you can try low-fat milk but expect some difference in texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
If you don’t have vanilla wafers on hand, ladyfingers or shortbread cookies work well as substitutes. They provide a similar crunch and sweetness that complements the creamy pudding and bananas beautifully.
How do I prevent the banana slices from browning?
Dipping banana slices quickly in lemon juice before layering helps slow down oxidation and browning. This little trick keeps the pudding looking fresh and appetizing for longer.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal byproducts beyond eggs and dairy, which are acceptable for most vegetarians.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the whole milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace eggs with a vegan thickener such as cornstarch and tofu blends, and use vegan butter alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary quite a bit.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm invitation to slow down and savor a truly comforting Southern classic. Once you try making it homemade, you’ll never want the store-bought stuff again. Give it a go—you deserve a dessert that tastes like a loving hug in every spoonful!
Print
Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Southern banana pudding recipe is made from scratch with ripe bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Layered and chilled to perfection, it’s a nostalgic dessert that’s rich, smooth, and bursting with fresh banana flavor. Ideal for gatherings or comforting family treats, topped with optional whipped cream or meringue.
Ingredients
Pudding:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Other:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 ounces)
- Whipped cream or meringue for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt to ensure an even mixture before adding liquids.
- Add milk and whisk: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth base without lumps.
- Beat egg yolks: Lightly beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl to prepare for tempering.
- Cook pudding base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts bubbling, indicating the pudding is setting.
- Temper egg yolks: Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the egg yolks while whisking rapidly to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Combine and cook further: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Finish pudding: Remove from heat, then stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Layer dessert: In a 2-quart dish, create layers by alternating vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the warm pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top to seal the dessert.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream or meringue for an added creamy texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use slightly overripe bananas for enhanced natural sweetness and deeper flavor.
- To prevent banana slices from browning, dip them briefly in lemon juice before layering.
- Banana pudding is best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
