Few desserts are as comforting and nostalgic as Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding. With its creamy vanilla pudding, sweet ripe bananas, and crisp Nilla wafer cookies, this dessert has been a beloved treat for generations. It’s the kind of dessert that brings families together, whether it's served at a holiday gathering, a family picnic, or as a special after-dinner indulgence. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy, making it a timeless Southern favorite.
If you’re looking to bring a little extra sweetness into your life, this Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding recipe will not disappoint. It's made entirely from scratch, so you’ll get the smoothest, most flavorful pudding you’ve ever tasted. The layers of bananas, vanilla wafer cookies, and vanilla pudding create the ultimate treat that will quickly become a family favorite in your home.
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
For the Pudding:
- Whole milk – 960ml (4 cups)
- Granulated sugar – 200g (1 cup)
- Cornstarch – 30g (¼ cup)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Egg yolks – 4 large
- Unsalted butter – 60g (¼ cup)
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
For Assembling the Pudding:
- Ripe bananas – 4 medium, sliced
- Nilla wafer cookies – 200g (about 3 cups)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping) – 240ml (1 cup), sweetened
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam and thicken. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Once the milk mixture is warm (but not boiling), gradually pour a small amount of the milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it becomes thick and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Butter and Vanilla
- Once the pudding has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour the pudding into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
Step 3: Assemble the Banana Pudding
- Once the pudding has chilled, it’s time to assemble your dessert. In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, layer the bottom with Nilla wafer cookies.
- Next, place a layer of sliced bananas over the cookies.
- Spoon half of the chilled pudding over the bananas, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers: add another layer of Nilla wafers, followed by bananas, and top with the remaining pudding.
Step 4: Add the Whipped Cream
- If using whipped cream, top the pudding with whipped cream for extra fluff and sweetness. You can either spread it on top or pipe it decoratively for a more polished look.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.
- Once ready to serve, enjoy the creamy goodness of your homemade banana pudding!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Banana Pudding
✔ Use Ripe Bananas – For the best flavor, use ripe but not overly mushy bananas. Their natural sweetness adds depth to the dessert.
✔ Tempering the Eggs – Be sure to temper the egg yolks slowly when adding them to the hot milk mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
✔ Let the Pudding Set – Allow the pudding to chill for several hours to get the perfect consistency and give the layers time to meld together.
✔ Make Ahead – Banana pudding actually tastes better the next day! Prepare it the night before for a dessert that’s ready when you are.
✔ Customization – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding for an extra layer of flavor, or top it with shaved chocolate or toasted coconut for added texture.
Variations & Add-Ins
🍫 Chocolate Banana Pudding – For a richer twist, layer some chocolate pudding between the banana layers.
🍓 Berry Banana Pudding – Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy banana layers.
🍯 Caramel Banana Pudding – Drizzle caramel sauce over the layers before adding the pudding for a sweet, indulgent spin.
Serving Suggestions
🍦 Pair with Ice Cream – For an extra indulgence, serve your banana pudding alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🍫 Top with Crushed Cookies – Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers or chocolate cookies on top of the pudding for added crunch and flavor.
🍪 Enjoy with Cookies – Serve slices of banana pudding with a few of your favorite chocolate chip cookies on the side for a delightful dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Classic Comfort – This is the ultimate comfort food that brings back memories of family gatherings and Southern traditions.
✅ Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together easily for a hassle-free dessert.
✅ Perfect Balance of Flavors – The combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy wafers creates the perfect dessert.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Banana pudding is always a hit at gatherings and is sure to disappear quickly!
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