Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

There is something irresistibly nostalgic about a Classic Banana Pudding Recipe—a perfect harmony of creamy custard, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers that delights from the very first spoonful. This dessert brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a luscious treat that’s both comforting and elegant, making it a beloved favorite for family gatherings and casual evenings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Classic Banana Pudding Recipe plays a crucial role, combining to give the pudding its signature creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and delightful layers of flavor and crunch. These straightforward ingredients are pantry staples that come together beautifully to create something truly special.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness to complement the bananas and creamy custard.
• All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the thickening agent, helping the pudding achieve that silky, smooth consistency.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Whole Milk: Gives the pudding a rich and creamy body that feels indulgent without being heavy.
• Egg Yolks: Add richness and a custard-like texture that makes this dish truly special.
• Unsalted Butter: Boosts mouthfeel with a subtle, buttery depth.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Imparts aromatic warmth that ties all the flavors together.
• Ripe Bananas: Bring sweetness and a fresh, fruity dimension that’s essential for any banana pudding.
• Vanilla Wafers: Add a satisfying crunch and classic flavor contrast to the creamy layers.
• Whipped Cream (Optional): Provides an extra layer of lightness and creaminess on top.

How to Make Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the granulated sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures they evenly distribute, which is essential for a smooth pudding base later on.

Step 2: Add Milk and Cook

Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the dry mix, taking care to avoid lumps. Then, place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Patience is key here because after 8 to 10 minutes, you’ll see the mixture begin to thicken and bubble—this signals your pudding is well on its way.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. To prevent curdling, slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the yolks while whisking vigorously. This gradual temperature adjustment—called tempering—protects the eggs from scrambling when added back into the heat.

Step 4: Final Cooking

Return the tempered egg yolk mixture to the saucepan. Continue to cook and stir for 2 to 3 more minutes until the pudding thickens to your liking, then remove from heat. This last simmer creates that rich, custard-like texture that’s so satisfying.

Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla

Stir in the butter and vanilla extract while the pudding is still warm. The butter melts in, adding a velvety smoothness, and the vanilla infuses a fragrant depth that makes this pudding truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Prepare the Bananas

Slice your ripe bananas thinly while the pudding cools. The thin slices ensure even layering and a perfect balance between banana flavor and creamy custard.

Step 7: Begin Layering

In your serving dish or individual cups, start by laying down a bed of vanilla wafers. Then add a layer of banana slices, followed by a generous helping of pudding. Layering is what creates the classic textures—crunch, softness, silkiness—all in every bite.

Step 8: Repeat Layers and Chill

Keep alternating layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding until all your ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of pudding. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate this dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, crown your pudding with a fluffy layer of whipped cream. Add extra banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers on top to make it even more inviting and picture-perfect.

How to Serve Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

Whipped cream is a classic topping, but you can also add caramel drizzle, toasted coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to change things up. These garnishes add visual appeal and new flavor notes without overshadowing the beloved pudding base.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs wonderfully with light and simple side dishes like fresh berries or a crisp mint salad. The dessert’s creamy richness contrasts beautifully with these refreshing sides, making for a balanced and memorable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in clear glass jars or elegant parfait glasses to show off the pretty layers. You can also assemble mini puddings in cupcake liners for a cute party treat or build a banana pudding trifle with layers of cake and pudding for a crowd-pleaser twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Banana Pudding Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge smells and to keep it fresh.

Freezing

Because bananas and pudding both have delicate textures, freezing is not ideal for this dessert as it can become watery or mushy upon thawing. It’s better enjoyed fresh or made a day ahead.

Reheating

This pudding is best served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow it to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes if it feels too firm from the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

While low-fat milk will work, whole milk gives the Classic Banana Pudding Recipe its rich, creamy texture that’s hard to replicate. For the best experience, stick to whole milk if possible.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy, with speckled yellow skin. This level of ripeness provides the best natural sweetness and holds up well in layering.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Classic Banana Pudding Recipe depends on eggs and dairy for its texture, so making it vegan would require substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, which can change the final texture quite a bit.

Is it possible to prepare this pudding without vanilla wafers?

Vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch and contrast, but if you don’t have them, ladyfingers or graham crackers can be a suitable substitute to keep the layering fun and flavorful.

How long should I chill the pudding before serving?

Chilling the pudding for at least 4 hours allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften just right. For even better texture and taste, refrigerate it overnight.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to make a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Classic Banana Pudding Recipe is the answer. Its simple, thoughtful ingredients come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly tasty. Give it a try—once you taste it, it might just become a treasured recipe in your own collection, perfect for sharing smiles and sweet moments with those you love.

Print