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Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

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A classic Southern dessert featuring a rich, smooth vanilla pudding layered with ripe bananas and crisp vanilla wafers. This easy homemade recipe delivers nostalgic comfort and is perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (30 g)
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 oz / 310 g)
  • Optional: whipped cream (from 1 cup heavy cream, whipped)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken and bubble, about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually pour about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
  4. Slowly whisk the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.
  5. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens further and reaches a creamy custard consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and smooth.
  7. Optional: strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl for extra smoothness.
  8. Cover the surface with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 2 hours.
  9. In a 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom, then add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a generous layer of pudding.
  10. Repeat the layers, ending with a pudding layer on top. Do not soak the wafers to avoid mushiness; layer just before serving.
  11. Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
  12. Before serving, top with freshly whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Whisk constantly when cooking pudding to avoid lumps or burning. Temper egg yolks slowly to prevent scrambling. Layer wafers just before serving to keep them from getting soggy. Use ripe but firm bananas sliced about 1/4 inch thick. If pudding is too thick after chilling, whisk before serving to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla wafers, classic dessert, creamy pudding, Southern dessert, easy dessert, homemade pudding

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-banana-pudding-with-vanilla-wafers-easy-homemade-classic-dessert-recipe/