Banana Pudding is a delightful treat that I love to eat all year round but I particularly love to eat it during the summer months. It is a rich and creamy dessert that beautifully combines a custard-like pudding, sweet bananas, and the irresistible crunch of Nilla Wafer cookies. And there is nothing like the taste of homemade pudding. Homemade pudding give this recipe a richness that can’t be substituted. To make the pudding it only take a few extra steps but believe me it is definitely worth it.
This banana pudding recipe is great for holidays, summertime gathering, picnics or just because. This iconic southern summer recipe will be one you save and use for many years to come. Stay here with me as I walk you through, step-by-step on how to make this exquisite dessert.
Watch the Video Tutorial
How to Select the Best Bananas
When making any recipe with bananas, I always strive to select the best and freshest bananas possible. I pick my bananas based on the appearance, smell, and feel of the bunch.
When it comes to the appearance, The peel should be a bright yellow color if the banana is ripe. If the banana has a few brown spots that indicates it is sweet and read to eat. Green tips mean it’s a bit underripe, but still good for cooking or baking. The texture of the peel should be firm and free from bruising, cracks and splits. The stem should always be intact.
Bananas when ripe should smell sweet. Overripe bananas will yield a fermented aroma. The smell will be slightly alcoholic. And lastly, the bananas should be mildly firm but definitely not mushy. Underripe bananas will feel firm and are very difficult to peel.
Use these tips to help you pick the best bananas so your banana pudding can be simply delicious!
Ingredients
- Bananas – The star of the show. Bananas are sweet and add needed texture to the pudding.
- Nilla Wafers – The other star of the show. Nilla Wafers also adds texture to the pudding.
- All-Purpose Flour – The flour serves as the thickening agent that will give your pudding your desired texture.
- Milk – The milk is the base of the pudding.
- Butter – Enhances the richness and adds a subtle buttery flavor to the custard.
- Heavy Cream – Heavy cream is used to make the whipped cream. The whipped cream make the pudding creamy and delicious.
- Egg Yolks – The egg yolks act as a binder and thickener for the custard, creating a silky texture.
- Sugar – The sugar sweetens the pudding.
- Vanilla Extract – The vanilla extract adds a rich flavor to the pudding.
- Almond Extract – The almond extract adds a nutty flavor to the pudding.
- Salt – The salt balances the sweetness.
How to Make Banana Pudding from Scratch
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream
Using a mixer with a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Set aside this luscious whipped cream for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard-Like Pudding
In a pot over medium-low heat, combine the milk and egg yolks. Whisk them together until well combined.
Gradually add the sugar, salt, and flour to the mixture. Keep whisking until thoroughly combined. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring often but occasionally until it thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency. This process ensures a smooth, creamy pudding texture.
Once it’s reached the desired consistency, add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the flavors meld.
Allow the pudding to cool for about 5 minutes. Afterward, gently fold in the prepared whipped cream. This addition enhances the pudding’s silkiness and lightness.
Step 3: Layering the Banana Pudding
In a suitable baking dish, start by creating a layer of Nilla Wafer cookies at the base.
Slice the bananas and arrange them over the cookie layer, creating a delightful fruity contrast.
Spoon a generous layer of the prepared pudding mixture atop the bananas, creating a harmonious trinity of flavors.
Repeat these layers, alternating between cookies, bananas, and pudding until the dish is filled, culminating in a beautiful dessert canvas.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the pudding dish and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Chilling for a few hours or overnight intensifies the flavors and textures. As the flavors meld and the textures harmonize in the fridge, the Banana Pudding transforms into a decadent delight, ready to be savored.
Enjoy this luxurious dessert with its layers of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and the delightful crunch of Nila Wafer cookies, a symphony of flavors and textures that’ll leave taste buds singing praises!
Feel free to sprinkle crushed cookies on top for an added crunch or add a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent touch when serving.
How to Store Banana Pudding
Banana pudding in all it’s decadence is a dessert that is best prepared the day of or the night before. Banana pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 3 days of making it, as the bananas may start to brown and become mushy after that.
Try these other Great Recipes
- Banana Cream Pie – If you look bananas then this pie is just for you. Creamy and decadent in every bit!
- Southern Peach Cobbler – Sweet, juicy and delicious. Goes great with ice cream on a hot summer day.
- The Ultimate Chocolate Cake – This elegant cake is perfect for special occasions or just because.
- Sweet Potato Pie – This sweet potato pie is so comforting and good.
- Lemon Ice Box Pie – Full of lemon flavor, creamy and delicious.
- Old Fashioned Tea Cakes – These cookies have a nutty taste that is simply irresistable.
Banana Pudding: An Iconic Summer Recipe
8
servings15
minutes12
minutesIngredients
4 Bananas
Nilla Wafers
2/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
4 Cups Milk
4 Tbsps Butter
1 -1/2Cups Heavy Cream
8 Egg Yolks
1 Cup Sugar
2 tsps Vanilla Extract
1 – 1/2 tsps Almond Extract
1 tsp Salt
Directions
- Using a mixer with a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Set aside this luscious whipped cream for later.
- In a pot over medium-low heat, combine the milk and egg yolks. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Gradually add the sugar, salt, and flour to the mixture. Keep whisking until thoroughly combined. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring often but occasionally until it thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency. This process ensures a smooth, creamy pudding texture.
- Once it’s reached the desired consistency, add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the flavors meld.
- Allow the pudding to cool for about 5 minutes. Afterward, gently fold in the prepared whipped cream. This addition enhances the pudding’s silkiness and lightness.
- In a suitable baking dish, start by creating a layer of Nilla Wafer cookies at the base.
- Slice the bananas and arrange them over the cookie layer, creating a delightful fruity contrast
- Spoon a generous layer of the prepared pudding mixture atop the bananas, creating a harmonious trinity of flavors.
- Repeat these layers, alternating between cookies, bananas, and pudding until the dish is filled, culminating in a beautiful dessert canvas.
- Cover the pudding dish and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Recipe Video
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