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Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

Classic Banana Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert featuring layers of smooth vanilla custard, ripe banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers. This nostalgic Southern favorite combines a rich homemade pudding made from scratch with fresh bananas and wafer cookies, chilled to perfection. Topped with whipped cream, it’s an easy yet elegant treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 3/4 cups Whole Milk
  • 3 large Egg Yolks
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

Layers

  • 4 pieces Ripe Bananas
  • 1 box Vanilla Wafers

Topping

  • Whipped Cream (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until well blended to ensure an even pudding base.
  2. Add milk and cook: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Temper egg yolks: Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly add a small amount of the hot pudding mixture to the yolks while whisking to temper them and avoid scrambling.
  4. Combine and cook again: Return the tempered egg yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for another 2-3 minutes until the pudding reaches a thick, custard-like consistency. Remove from heat.
  5. Add butter and vanilla: Stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until the butter melts and is fully incorporated. Let the pudding cool slightly to prepare for layering.
  6. Slice bananas: While the pudding cools, slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds to evenly layer in the dessert.
  7. Layer the dessert: In a serving dish or individual cups, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices, then pour a generous amount of pudding over the top.
  8. Repeat layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is pudding. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  9. Serve with topping: Just before serving, top with whipped cream and optionally garnish with extra banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and presentation.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and best flavor.
  • Tempering the egg yolks is key to avoid curdling the pudding.
  • Let the pudding chill thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set firmly.
  • Vanilla wafers can be substituted with graham crackers for a different texture.
  • Whipped cream topping is optional but adds a lovely creamy finish.

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Find it online: https://sweetindulgencescakes.com/classic-banana-pudding-recipe/