Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Pudding
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Layers
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafers
For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding Base
In a large saucepan, whisk together:
- Sugar
- Flour
- Salt
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and milk until smooth.
Gradually pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously.
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 2: Finish the Pudding
Remove the pudding from the heat.
Stir in:
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Transfer the pudding to a bowl and cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Beat until stiff peaks form.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layer
In a 9×13-inch serving dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom.
Top with a layer of banana slices.
Spread one-third of the pudding evenly over the bananas.
Step 5: Continue Layering
Repeat the layers:
- Vanilla wafers
- Banana slices
- Pudding
Continue until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Step 6: Add the Whipped Cream
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top layer of pudding.
Smooth with a spatula for a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Garnish
Crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the whipped cream.
Add extra banana slices for decoration if desired.
Step 8: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours.
For the best flavor and texture, chill overnight.
This allows the wafers to soften and absorb the pudding.
Step 9: Serve
Scoop into bowls and serve chilled.
Enjoy every creamy, banana-filled bite.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
Use Ripe Bananas
Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
Chill Overnight
The pudding tastes even better after resting overnight.
Prevent Banana Browning
Lightly brush banana slices with lemon juice if preparing far in advance.
Use Whole Milk
Whole milk creates a richer, creamier pudding.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Banana Pudding
Add a layer of chocolate pudding between the vanilla layers.
Caramel Banana Pudding
Drizzle caramel sauce between each layer.
Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
Fold peanut butter into the pudding mixture.
Strawberry Banana Pudding
Add sliced strawberries between the layers.
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Mix softened cream cheese into the pudding for extra richness.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Not recommended, as the bananas and pudding texture may change.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 220mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy homemade pudding
- Layers of fresh bananas and vanilla wafers
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Great for holidays and potlucks
- Easy to prepare
- Family-friendly favorite
- Classic Southern comfort dessert
