Banana pudding is a classic, comforting dessert loved by many. It combines creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers into a luscious, layered treat. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a homemade banana pudding that tastes just like the ones from your favorite bakery or family gatherings, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through making banana pudding from scratch, with tips to get it perfectly creamy and flavorful every time.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
– Milk: Whole milk or half-and-half for richness (about 2½ to 3 cups)
– Heavy cream: For the pudding and whipped topping (½ cup to 1 cup)
– Eggs: Whole eggs and egg yolks to create a silky custard
– Sugar: Granulated sugar to sweeten the pudding
– Cornstarch: To thicken the pudding perfectly
– Butter: Adds creaminess and a smooth finish
– Vanilla extract or vanilla bean: For that classic vanilla flavor
– Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness
– Bananas: 3 to 5 ripe but not overly soft bananas, sliced
– Vanilla wafers: Nilla wafers are traditional and add a delightful crunch
– Optional: Powdered sugar for whipped cream topping
Equipment
– Medium saucepan
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Fine mesh strainer (to make pudding silky smooth)
– Baking dish or trifle bowl for layering
– Plastic wrap
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Homemade Banana Pudding
1. Make the Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Start by heating your milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth.
Next, temper the eggs by slowly whisking in a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. This gradual warming prevents the eggs from scrambling. After tempering, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon-this usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract for extra richness and flavor.
For an ultra-smooth pudding, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until chilled, at least one hour.
2. Prepare the Whipped Cream (Optional but Recommended)
Whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will be used to top your banana pudding for a light, creamy finish.
3. Slice the Bananas
Slice your ripe bananas just before assembling to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
4. Assemble the Banana Pudding
In a 9×9 inch dish or trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices, then spoon half of the chilled pudding over the bananas and wafers. Repeat the layers: wafers, bananas, and the remaining pudding. Finish with a final layer of wafers or crushed wafers.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, spread the whipped cream over the top and garnish with extra vanilla wafers or banana slices if desired. Scoop generous portions and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness of homemade banana pudding.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
– Use ripe bananas with a few brown spots for the best sweetness and texture.
– Don’t rush the chilling process; the pudding needs time to set and the wafers to soften.
– Temper your eggs carefully to avoid lumps or scrambled eggs in the pudding.
– For a richer pudding, use half-and-half instead of just milk.
– If you’re short on time, you can use instant vanilla pudding mix, but homemade pudding has a superior taste and texture.
Banana pudding is a timeless dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a luscious, layered treat that will impress family and friends alike. Whether for a holiday, potluck, or a sweet everyday indulgence, homemade banana pudding is always a crowd-pleaser!