Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Ingredients:
For the Pudding:
- 3 cups whole milk (or a dairy alternative like almond milk)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Assembly:
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 45 cookies)
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Make the Pudding:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to ensure no lumps form.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble (about 7–10 minutes).
- Temper the Eggs:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking to prevent curdling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
- Cook the Pudding:
- Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the pudding is thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
- Cool the Pudding:
- Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool slightly at room temperature.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding:
- In a trifle dish, 9×13-inch pan, or individual serving cups, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Top with whipped cream and a few crushed vanilla wafers for garnish.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the pudding set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve cold and enjoy this comforting, homemade treat!
Tips:
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- For added depth, try toasting the vanilla wafers slightly before layering.
- If you love meringue, you can top the pudding with a layer of toasted meringue instead of whipped cream.
Let me know how it turns out! 🍮✨