Heavenly Banana Pudding Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dessert

Sweet memories of childhood summers dance through every creamy banana pudding bite.

Southern kitchens hold magical secrets about transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary desserts.

Layers of velvety custard and ripe fruit create a nostalgic comfort that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft vanilla wafers add delightful crunch between silky smooth textures.

Chilled pudding promises refreshing moments of pure happiness.

Grandmothers’ cherished recipes inspire this classic treat that connects generations through delicious tradition.

Ingredients Used in Banana Pudding

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides rich, sweet foundation for the pudding's creamy texture.
• Cold Water: Helps create smooth consistency and blend ingredients.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds classic vanilla flavor and helps thicken the pudding.
• Milk: Enhances creaminess and helps set the pudding's structure.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light, fluffy whipped topping with luxurious texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the whipped cream.

• Bananas: Fresh fruit that provides natural sweetness and soft texture. Choose ripe but firm bananas without brown spots.
• Nilla Wafers: Classic cookie that adds crunch and traditional banana pudding character. Look for fresh, crisp cookies.

Layer Your Banana Pudding With This Easy Guide

Step 1: Create Creamy Pudding Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine sweetened condensed milk with cold water.

Sprinkle in instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk energetically until everything blends smoothly and becomes completely uniform.

Step 2: Enhance Pudding Consistency

Pour in milk and continue whisking vigorously for another minute.

The mixture should transform into a silky, luxurious texture.

Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Step 3: Whip Fluffy Cream Topping

• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients using an electric mixer or whisk until they form stiff, cloud-like peaks.

Your cream should stand up tall and look wonderfully airy.

Step 4: Merge Pudding and Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture.

Add the cream in small portions, carefully blending until you achieve a light, dreamy consistency.

Step 5: Construct Delightful Layers

• Whipped pudding mixture
• Sliced bananas
• Nilla wafers

Repeat these layers until your dish is beautifully assembled.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the banana pudding for approximately 4 hours.

This allows flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.

Serve chilled and enjoy your creamy, dreamy treat!

Banana Pudding Layering Tips That Work

• Refrigerate the pudding for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop a rich, creamy texture.
• Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, but be careful not to over-whip, which can make the cream grainy and less smooth.
• Create even layers of pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers for a visually appealing and balanced dessert that ensures every bite has a perfect mix of flavors.
• Adjust the amount of whipped cream you fold into the pudding to control the texture, making it lighter or more dense according to your preference.
• Allow the banana pudding to rest in the refrigerator for 4 hours before serving to let the wafers soften and the flavors fully develop.

Banana Pudding Stores Creamy for Second Servings

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.
• Do not freeze this dessert, as the bananas and whipped cream will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.
• Enjoy the pudding cold straight from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the dessert soggy and compromise its creamy consistency.
• For the best taste and texture, consume within 1-2 days of preparation. The bananas may start to brown and lose their fresh flavor after this time.

Classic Bites For Banana Pudding

• Whisk Creamy Dessert Companions: Perfectly paired flavors that elevate your banana pudding experience.
• Brew Complementary Coffee: Serve a smooth medium roast or chicory-style coffee that cuts through the pudding's sweetness and provides a rich, balanced contrast.
• Sip Southern-Style Beverage: Enjoy a classic sweet tea or mint julep that matches the dessert's Southern comfort food heritage, bringing out the pudding's creamy, nostalgic notes.
• Match Textural Garnish: Top with toasted coconut flakes or crushed pecans to add delightful crunch and nutty depth, creating a multi-dimensional dessert experience.

Creamy Banana Pudding Riffs

• Vegan Banana Pudding: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, use almond milk, swap instant pudding for vegan vanilla pudding mix, and use coconut whipped cream.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute Nilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free instant pudding mix, replace sweetened condensed milk with unsweetened condensed milk, and add stevia or monk fruit sweetener for taste.
• Chocolate Banana Pudding: Mix cocoa powder into the pudding base, use chocolate wafers instead of Nilla wafers, and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings between layers for extra richness.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

Toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering. The citric acid helps slow down oxidation and keeps bananas looking fresh.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare banana pudding up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add banana slices until right before serving to maintain their texture and prevent browning.

• What if I don't have Nilla wafers?

You can substitute with graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or vanilla wafers. Choose a crisp, sweet cookie that complements the creamy pudding.

• Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Ensure your instant pudding mix is also gluten-free, and the recipe becomes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Banana Pudding Classic Southern Creamy Dessert

• Quick and Effortless Dessert: No-bake banana pudding that comes together in minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert entirely in advance, letting it chill for hours, which makes party planning and meal prep incredibly convenient.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic flavors of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crispy wafers create a nostalgic treat that delights both kids and adults at gatherings.
• Customizable Texture: Control the pudding's consistency by gradually folding whipped cream, allowing you to personalize the dessert's richness and creaminess.

Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through this classic Banana Pudding, layering creamy vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers into a nostalgic dessert. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this beloved Southern treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups bananas, sliced
• 1 box Nilla wafers
• 3 cups heavy cream

Dairy & Liquid Ingredients:

• 12 13 ounces (355 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) cold water
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk

Seasoning & Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 box (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Whisk sweetened condensed milk with cold water in a spacious mixing vessel, incorporating instant vanilla pudding powder until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Pour in milk and continue whisking vigorously for approximately one minute, ensuring no lumps remain, then seal and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a minimum of three hours.
3. Prepare a luxurious whipped cream by combining heavy cream with a delicate touch of salt and pure vanilla extract, beating until stiff, voluminous peaks emerge.
4. After the pudding base has thoroughly chilled, gently integrate the whipped cream, folding in gradual portions to maintain a light, airy texture.
5. Construct elegant layers in a serving vessel, alternating between the creamy pudding mixture, ripe banana slices, and crisp Nilla wafers, creating a visually appealing and delectable dessert profile.
6. Allow the assembled dessert to rest and meld flavors in the refrigerator for approximately four hours, enabling the components to harmonize and develop a sublime, classic banana pudding experience.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting condensed milk quantity for a lighter or richer pudding experience.
• Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
• Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice before layering, keeping the dessert looking fresh and appetizing.
• Enhance texture by toasting Nilla wafers briefly before layering to add a delightful crunch and deeper flavor profile to the classic dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg