Banana pudding recipe
This creamy banana pudding recipe with vanilla wafers and fresh bananas is the ultimate comfort dessert — rich, fluffy, and irresistibly nostalgic! Made with homemade or instant pudding, layers of ripe bananas, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers come together in the perfect Southern-style treat that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.
Ingredients
- For the Pudding Base Homemade Version
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- For Assembly
- 1 11 oz box vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)
- 4 ripe bananas sliced
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Pudding (If From Scratch):
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens — about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in the egg and yolk (tempered), then stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly for 10 minutes.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold half into the pudding for a lighter texture, if desired.
- Layer the Pudding:
- In a trifle dish, 9x13 pan, or glass bowl, layer: vanilla wafers → banana slices → pudding. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
- Add the Whipped Cream & Topping:
- Spread whipped cream over the final pudding layer. Garnish with crushed wafers or banana slices.
- Chill & Serve:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, dreamy layers.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead without the top bananas; add them before serving for freshness.
- Storage: Keep covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bananas may darken slightly over time.
- Freezing: Not recommended; freezing alters the creamy texture.
- Shortcut Option: Instant banana pudding works beautifully when you’re short on time — just layer it the same way.
- Pro Tip: Use ripe (not overripe) bananas — yellow with a few brown speckles for perfect sweetness and texture.