Banana Pudding Recipe

These easy Banana Pudding recipe is made completely from-scratch and must try a-peeling dessert! Simple to make with a delightful dance of velvety custard, sweet ripe bananas, and layers of luscious vanilla wafers.

Searching for more banana treats to add to your collection? Be sure to try my Banana Pudding Ice Cream and Banana Pudding Cupcakes!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pudding

• Easy: Homemade pudding is surprisingly simple to make and takes just a few minutes of prep! The hardest part is waiting for it to chill before diving in.
• Perfect Flavor Balance: The secret to this dish is a perfect balance of vanilla and banana.
• Make Ahead Dessert: This pudding is actually better after a few hours which makes it ideal for a prep ahead treat!

We lived in Dallas for a year and the one thing I miss the most is the amazing food. Of course, there was the insanely delicious barbecue, but what people don’t talk about often are the desserts! We’d hit up a local stand every other week for one thing, and one thing only: Banana Pudding. It’s the hidden gem of the south and one of our favorite light treats!

This banana pudding recipe is suuuuuper close to the version we fell in love with all those years ago. It’s inspired heavily from my banana cream pie recipe with layers of sweet pudding, soft vanilla wafer cookies, and ripe bananas. It is pure bliss and a classic dessert recipe everyone should have in their collection!

Banana Pudding Ingredients

You’re going to be shocked at the simple list of ingredients used to make a homemade pudding. Here is what you need to get started:

• Milk: Ok, here’s the deal. I tested this will a variety of milks and our favorite, by far, was whole milk. Can you use other varieties? Absolutely. However the whole milk adds a richness that is unmatched.
• Sugar: Just a touch of granulated sugar to slightly sweeten the pudding.
• Cornstarch: Don’t substitute. Cornstarch is key in making sure that the pudding reaches the right consistency.
• Egg: Specifically yolk. This works as a thickening agent as well as adding creaminess.
• Butter: Specifically, salted butter. This helps to make the pudding rich while also helping elevate the flavor.
• Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract. Imitation vanilla will leave a slight chemical aftertaste that is unappealing.
• Bananas: Ripe bananas, but not overripe. This is where ALL of the banana flavor comes from so don’t skimp.
• Vanilla Wafers and Whipped Cream: Optional, but a fun addition.

Banana Pudding Recipe From Scratch

1. PREP: Combine the milk, sugar, and cornstarch into a large pot.
2. SIMMER: Turn the heat to low and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring the entire time with a whisk, or until the mixture begins to thicken.
3. TEMPER: To keep the egg yolks from curdling, or scrambling, you want to add a small amount of the warm milk liquid to the eggs in a small dish. Whisk with a fork to bring the eggs up to temperature before adding to the pudding.
4. WHISK: Whisk the egg yolks into the milk and continue cooking for two additional minutes, or until the mixture is thickened. Be sure to whisk the entire time.
5. VANILLA: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Set aside.
6. LAYER: In 8 inch dish, or cups for single serve, layer the vanilla wafers and bananas. Pour the pudding over the top in an even layer.
7. CHILL: Cover tightly with plastic wrap, placing directly on the top of the pudding. Refrigerate for at least 1-4 hours and enjoy!

Helpful Tools

• Silicone Spatulas: I have said it before, and will continue to say, I LOVE my silicone spatulas (affiliate). They are so good for so many things, including pie batter.
• Pot: Using the right type of pot (affiliate) can make all the difference when making pudding.
• Serving Dish: This pudding looks insanely beautiful in this serving dish (affiliate).

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4.34 from 3 votes

Banana Pudding Recipe

Created by: Jesseca

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Chill Time 1 hour hour

6

These easy Banana Pudding recipe is made completely from-scratch and must try a-peeling dessert! Simple to make with a delightful dance of velvety custard, sweet ripe bananas, and layers of luscious vanilla wafers.

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Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 2½ cups whole milk
• ▢ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 3 large egg yolks
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 3-4 bananas ripe
• ▢ 3 cups vanilla wafer cookies
• ▢ whipped cream optional

Instructions

• Combine the milk, sugar, and cornstarch into a large pot.
• Turn the heat to low and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring the entire time with a whisk, or until the mixture begins to thicken.
• To keep the egg yolks from curdling, or scrambling, you want to add a small amount of the warm milk liquid to the eggs in a small dish. Whisk with a fork to bring the eggs up to temperature before adding to the pudding.
• Whisk the egg yolks into the milk and continue cooking for two additional minutes, or until the mixture is thickened. Be sure to whisk the entire time.
• Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Set aside.
• In 8 inch dish, or cups for single serve, layer the vanilla wafers and bananas. Pour the pudding over the top in an even layer.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap, placing directly on the top of the pudding. Refrigerate for at least 1-4 hours and enjoy!

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

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