Banana Pudding Recipe

Dreamy Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe: Sweet Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy banana pudding sends me straight back to childhood summers spent at my grandmother’s kitchen.

Sweet memories flood my mind with each smooth, velvety spoonful.

Layers of ripe bananas and delicate vanilla wafers create a nostalgic dessert that feels like a warm hug.

My family always requested this classic treat during reunions and special gatherings.

Southern comfort comes alive through simple, heartwarming ingredients carefully combined with love.

Soft, cloud-like textures meld together in a symphony of sweet comfort.

Whip up this dessert and watch faces light up with pure joy.

What To Pair With Banana Pudding

  • Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: A warm, rich caramel latte complements the banana pudding's sweet, velvety texture, enhancing the dessert's comforting vanilla and banana notes.
  • Serve with Toasted Almond Biscotti: Crisp almond biscotti provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft pudding, adding a nutty crunch that elevates the dessert's creamy layers.
  • Match with Chilled Moscato Wine: A light, sweet Moscato brings out the pudding's fruity banana essence, creating a refreshing and elegant dessert pairing that feels indulgent yet balanced.
  • Accompany with Fresh Mint Tea: A cool, aromatic mint tea cuts through the pudding's richness, offering a clean, palate-cleansing experience that highlights the dessert's delicate flavors.

Storage Tips For Banana Pudding

  • Store banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap directly touching the pudding surface to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing whole dish as wafer cookies will lose crispness.
  • Gently warm refrigerated pudding in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst to prevent overheating. Alternatively, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften.
  • Before serving chilled leftovers, top with fresh whipped cream and additional banana slices to revive texture and enhance visual appeal.

Banana Pudding FAQs

  • What makes cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps thicken the pudding and prevents lumps, creating a smooth, creamy texture without making the dessert too heavy or starchy.

  • Why do I need to temper egg yolks?

Tempering prevents eggs from scrambling by gradually raising their temperature, ensuring a silky smooth pudding without unwanted egg chunks.

  • How do I know when the pudding is properly thickened?

The pudding is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and creates a clear path when you run your finger through it, which typically happens after 5-7 minutes of cooking.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this banana pudding up to 24 hours in advance, which actually allows the flavors to develop more deeply and makes the cookies softer and more delicious.

Why Banana Pudding Is A Creamy Comfort Classic

Why Banana Pudding Is A Creamy Comfort Classic
  • Craft with Ease: This banana pudding recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers who want to impress without stress.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Creating beautiful, delicious layers of cookies, bananas, and creamy pudding transforms an ordinary dessert into a stunning centerpiece that wows family and friends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Nostalgic flavors and creamy texture appeal to all ages, from kids to grandparents, ensuring everyone at the table will fall in love with this classic Southern treat.
  • Prepare Ahead Magic: This dessert can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and making it ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and special occasions without last-minute kitchen chaos.

Ingredients For Classic Banana Pudding

For the Base:
  • Cornstarch: Essential thickening agent that creates a smooth pudding texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the pudding.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
For the Liquid Components:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy foundation for the pudding.
  • Egg Yolks: Add richness, color, and help thicken the pudding.
  • Vanilla Extract: Delivers a classic, warm flavor to the dessert.
For the Layering and Finishing:
  • Banana: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and soft texture.
  • Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Provide a classic crunch and traditional banana pudding base.
  • Butter: Adds a luxurious, smooth finish to the pudding.
  • Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for extra sweetness and elegant presentation.
  • Whipped Cream: Creamy topping that complements the pudding's rich texture.

How To Make Traditional Banana Pudding

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Toss cornstarch, sugar, and salt into a medium saucepan. Whisk them together until they form a smooth, even mixture that will help prevent any pesky lumps in your final pudding.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Slowly pour milk and heavy cream into the dry ingredients. Whisk continuously to develop a silky, completely smooth liquid foundation for your pudding.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Yolks

Carefully separate egg yolks from whites. Beat the yolks in a separate bowl until they transform into a pale, slightly thickened mixture with a gorgeous golden color.

Step 4: Temper Egg Mixture

Gently introduce a small amount of warm milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Stir constantly to prevent any unwanted curdling and ensure a perfectly smooth texture.

Step 5: Cook Pudding

Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the pudding thickens and starts to bubble, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Pull the saucepan off the heat. Stir in vanilla extract and butter, creating a luxurious, glossy pudding base that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Prepare Banana Layers

Slice ripe bananas into uniform, elegant rounds that will create beautiful layers in your dessert.

Step 8: Assemble Dessert Layers

In a serving dish, build delectable layers:
  • Vanilla wafer cookies
  • Fresh banana slices
  • Warm pudding mixture

Repeat these layers for a stunning presentation.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to mingle and the pudding to set into a perfect, creamy consistency.

Step 10: Final Garnish

Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and add a generous dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Keep chilled until ready to serve, ensuring the pudding maintains its dreamy, creamy texture and beautiful layered appearance.

Tips For Better Banana Pudding Layers

  • Prevent Pudding Lumps: Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly before adding liquids to eliminate clumps and create a smooth base.
  • Temper Eggs Carefully: Add warm milk mixture slowly to egg yolks while stirring constantly to avoid curdling and ensure a silky texture.
  • Layer with Precision: Arrange banana slices and vanilla wafers evenly for consistent flavor and visual appeal in each bite.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow ingredients to blend and pudding to set perfectly, enhancing taste and texture.
  • Garnish Generously: Top with fresh whipped cream and a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to elevate the dessert's presentation and taste.

Variations To Upgrade Banana Pudding

  • Chocolate Banana Pudding: Replace vanilla extract with cocoa powder, creating a rich chocolate version. Add dark chocolate shavings between layers for intense flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Swap milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy, plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Bliss: Substitute vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Tropical Fusion: Add toasted coconut flakes between layers. Incorporate diced pineapple or mango for a tropical spin on the classic banana pudding.
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Banana Pudding Recipe

Banana Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets sweet nostalgia in this classic banana pudding that whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen. Creamy layers of vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers create a dessert that invites you to savor each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe bananas
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs

Thickening Agents:

  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 package vanilla wafer cookies
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

  1. Whisk together cornstarch, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan, creating a smooth dry mixture to prevent lumps in the pudding.
  2. Gradually pour milk and heavy cream into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to ensure a silky, lump-free base.
  3. Separate egg yolks from whites, then gently beat yolks in a separate bowl until pale and slightly thickened.
  4. Temper the egg yolks by slowly adding a small amount of the warm milk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
  5. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring over medium heat until the pudding thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter, creating a rich, glossy pudding base.
  7. Slice ripe bananas into uniform rounds, preparing them for layering.
  8. In a serving dish, create alternating layers of vanilla wafer cookies, banana slices, and the warm pudding mixture.
  9. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set completely.
  10. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finish.
  11. Chill until ready to serve, allowing the pudding to maintain its creamy consistency and layered texture.

Notes

  • Prevent lumpy pudding by whisking dry ingredients thoroughly before adding liquid, ensuring a smooth base.
  • Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot milk mixture to avoid scrambling, creating a silky custard texture.
  • Choose ripe, firm bananas for optimal flavor and structural integrity when layering the dessert.
  • Make this dessert gluten-free by substituting vanilla wafers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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