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
Scale
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.
