Description
This Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe banana slices, and vanilla wafers topped with freshly whipped cream. The pudding is cooked on the stovetop and cooled to develop rich, comforting flavors, making it a timeless treat perfect for family gatherings or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 6 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Assembly:
- 1 box vanilla wafers (approximately 11 ounces)
- 5 to 6 ripe bananas, sliced
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the pudding base: In a large saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook until thickened: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent scorching. Continue cooking for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Temper the egg yolks: Remove the saucepan from heat. Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the beaten egg yolks to gently warm them. Then, return the warmed egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously to incorporate.
- Finish cooking the pudding: Return the saucepan to medium heat. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens further. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble the layers: In a glass baking dish, layer one-third of the vanilla wafers evenly on the bottom. Top with one-third of the banana slices, then pour one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of pudding on top.
- Chill the pudding: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is ideal for best texture and flavor melding.
- Prepare whipped cream topping: Just before serving, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together in a chilled mixing bowl until soft peaks form. This will create a light and creamy topping.
- Serve and garnish: Spread or dollop the freshly whipped cream over the chilled banana pudding. Optionally, garnish with extra vanilla wafers or banana slices for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- To prevent browning, slice bananas just before layering or toss them lightly in lemon juice.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk and heavy cream with whipped topping.
- Covering the pudding surface with plastic wrap helps prevent a thick skin from forming during chilling.
- Allowing the pudding to chill overnight enhances the flavor and helps the layers blend beautifully.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and softer texture.
