Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert loved for its creamy texture, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Making banana pudding from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple and incredibly rewarding. This homemade version beats any store-bought or instant mix by miles, delivering rich, fresh flavors and a luscious texture. If you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert, here’s a step-by-step guide to making banana pudding from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Fresh ripe bananas (the ones with a few brown spots are perfect)
– Vanilla wafers (Nilla wafers are the classic choice)
– Milk (whole milk is best for creaminess)
– Granulated sugar
– Cornstarch (to thicken the pudding)
– Egg yolks (for richness)
– Unsalted butter
– Vanilla extract
– Heavy whipping cream (for the whipped topping)
– Optional: powdered sugar for sweetening the whipped cream
Step 1: Make the Homemade Vanilla Pudding
The star of banana pudding is the creamy vanilla pudding made from scratch. Here’s how to make it:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar, and a small amount of milk until smooth. It may feel a bit gritty at this point—don’t worry.
- Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
- Slowly pour some of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Repeat this step until the egg mixture is warm.
- Pour the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the hot milk.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes). Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
- Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until cold and set.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
While the pudding chills, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can add a little powdered sugar if you want it sweeter. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding to create a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the pudding.
Step 3: Slice the Bananas and Get Ready to Assemble
Peel and slice ripe bananas just before assembly to keep them fresh and prevent browning. The bananas add natural sweetness and a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the pudding and wafers.
Step 4: Assemble Your Banana Pudding
- In a glass dish or trifle bowl, start by layering vanilla wafers at the bottom.
- Add a layer of banana slices over the wafers.
- Spread a layer of the pudding mixture on top of the bananas.
- Repeat the layers (wafers, bananas, pudding) until you reach the top of your dish, finishing with a layer of pudding.
- For a beautiful finish, top with whipped cream, extra banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the assembled banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the wafers to soften and soak up the pudding, melding all the flavors together beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding
– Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
– Temper the eggs carefully to avoid scrambling.
– Whisk constantly when cooking the pudding to prevent lumps and burning.
– Use glass dishes for assembly to showcase the beautiful layers.
– Be patient with chilling time; it’s key to the pudding’s perfect texture.
Making banana pudding from scratch is a labor of love that yields a dessert bursting with fresh flavors and creamy goodness. It’s a perfect treat for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, nostalgic dessert.
Enjoy your homemade banana pudding—it’s sure to become a favorite!