Description
This classic Banana Pudding recipe features smooth, creamy homemade vanilla pudding layered with fresh banana slices and crunchy vanilla wafers, chilled to perfection and optionally topped with whipped cream. It’s a delightful Southern dessert that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Assembly
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 50 wafers)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients and milk: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cook pudding base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 6 to 8 minutes. This ensures the cornstarch activates and the pudding thickens properly.
- Temper egg yolks: Remove the saucepan from heat. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks to temper them, preventing the eggs from scrambling.
- Combine egg yolks with pudding: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Return to medium-low heat and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the pudding thickens further. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
- Cool pudding: Allow the pudding to cool slightly for about 10 minutes to thicken more and avoid melting the wafers or bananas during assembly.
- Layer dessert: In a serving dish or individual glasses, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill: Cover the surface of the pudding directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld and the pudding set.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream, extra banana slices, or crumbled vanilla wafers for added texture and decoration.
Notes
- Be sure to whisk constantly during cooking to prevent lumps and scorching of the pudding base.
- Tempering the eggs is crucial to prevent curdling and achieve a creamy pudding.
- For best texture, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness.
- The chilling step can be extended overnight for deeper flavor development.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but adds a light and creamy contrast.
