Description
Southern charm meets sweet nostalgia in this classic banana pudding recipe, blending creamy vanilla custard with layers of ripe bananas and crisp vanilla wafers. Comfort dessert lovers will savor each spoonful of this Southern-style treat that promises pure indulgence and memories of home-cooked delights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (16-ounce) package vanilla wafers
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold milk
- 1 (14-ounce) (396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5-ounce) (142 grams) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
- 1 (12-ounce) (340 grams) container whipped topping, thawed (or 3 cups homemade whipped cream)
Instructions
- Craft the creamy foundation by whisking cold milk with vanilla pudding mix until it transforms into a thick, luxurious base. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, stirring until silky smooth. Gently integrate half of the whipped topping, creating a velvety mixture.
- Select a spacious glass dish or trifle bowl as your canvas. Create an elegant foundation by carefully positioning vanilla wafers across the bottom surface. Artfully arrange sliced bananas atop the crisp wafer layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Lavishly drape the prepared pudding mixture over the banana landscape, allowing it to cascade between fruit and wafers. Repeat the layering sequence – wafers, bananas, pudding – building delicate strata until all ingredients are harmoniously incorporated, concluding with a pudding crown.
- Crown the dessert with remaining whipped topping, spreading it into a pillowy blanket. For added texture and visual appeal, delicately crush additional vanilla wafers and sprinkle across the surface.
- Seal the creation with plastic wrap, allowing it to rest and develop flavors in the refrigerator. Permit a minimum of four hours or preferably overnight for optimal melding of textures and tastes. When ready, serve chilled, scooping generous portions that showcase the intricate layers.
Notes
- Whip the pudding mixture thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture that coats the bananas and wafers perfectly.
- Choose ripe, firm bananas to prevent browning and maintain a fresh, vibrant flavor throughout the dessert.
- Layer ingredients carefully, pressing gently to help wafers absorb the pudding and create a harmonious blend of textures.
- Chill the pudding for the full recommended time to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal creamy consistency.
- Substitute dairy-free whipped topping and milk alternatives for a vegan-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Experiment with different cookie bases like graham crackers or shortbread to add unique twists to the classic recipe.
- Prevent banana oxidation by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice before layering to keep them looking fresh and appetizing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg