Welcome to the ultimate recipe for classic, Southern-style banana pudding! This dessert features layers of rich vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers, all topped with a cloud of homemade whipped cream. It's the perfect comforting treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or any day that needs a little sweetness.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes + 4 hours for chilling
- Servings: 8-10
Shop Key Ingredients
- Nabisco Nilla Wafers
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Cornstarch
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
Full Recipe Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 (11-ounce) box Nilla Wafers
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Whipped Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Pudding Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Pour the milk and egg mixture into the saucepan with the dry ingredients and whisk until everything is combined.
- Cook the Pudding: Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the pudding begins to bubble and thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, continue to cook for 1 more minute while stirring.
- Finish the Pudding: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: While the pudding cools slightly, make the whipped cream. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Layers: In a 2.5-quart trifle dish or a large glass bowl, spread a thin layer of pudding on the bottom. Add a single layer of Nilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Pour one-third of the remaining pudding over the bananas. Repeat the layers two more times (wafers, bananas, pudding).
- Top and Chill: Spread the homemade whipped cream evenly over the top layer of pudding. Garnish with a few extra wafer crumbs or banana slices if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
