If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ll fall head over heels for this Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Recipe. It’s a classic Southern delight loaded with smooth, luscious pudding, sweet ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers creating an irresistible texture combination. Every spoonful delivers rich vanilla notes and comforting sweetness, making this treat perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging a sweet tooth whenever the mood strikes. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you—it’s one of those timeless desserts that never fails to bring smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and approachable, yet each one plays a crucial role in bringing this dessert to life. From the richness of whole milk to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, every element contributes to the perfect balance of creamy texture, flavor, and color in this dish.
- Whole milk: Provides the creamy, velvety base essential for smooth pudding.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding while enhancing the natural banana flavors.
- Cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent, giving the pudding its rich consistency.
- Salt: Balances sweetness to elevate all the flavors.
- Egg yolks: Add richness and help create that silky texture in the pudding.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the dessert with warm, aromatic notes.
- Ripe bananas: Bring natural sweetness and softness that contrast perfectly with the wafers.
- Vanilla wafers: Offer a delightful crisp and subtle vanilla crunch that soaks up the pudding.
- Whipped cream (optional): A light, fluffy topping that adds an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Make Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Start by whisking together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add in whole milk while whisking until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This ensures no lumps and sets the stage for a silky pudding.
Step 2: Cook Until Thickened
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. After about 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll notice the mixture thickening and coming to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens: the cornstarch activates and transforms the milk into a creamy custard.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
Remove the saucepan from heat, then whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly add half a cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks to temper them—this step prevents scrambling and prepares the eggs to enrich the pudding evenly.
Step 4: Combine and Cook Again
Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan, whisking constantly to blend smoothly. Return the pan to medium-low heat and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding thickens further. Finish by stirring in the fragrant vanilla extract.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes. Now comes the fun part: in your chosen serving dish or individual glasses, start layering vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a smooth layer of pudding on top.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the pudding’s surface to prevent a skin from forming. Allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours so the flavors meld and the wafers soften to a perfect texture.
How to Serve Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add a lovely finishing touch, top the pudding with a cloud of whipped cream, additional banana slices, or crushed vanilla wafers. These garnishes add texture and visual appeal that will make everyone eager to dive in.
Side Dishes
While this pudding shines brilliantly on its own, pairing it with a light fruit salad or a simple cup of hot coffee creates a well-rounded dessert experience. The fresh fruit adds a crisp contrast, while coffee complements the pudding’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve the pudding in individual glass jars or trifle bowls layered attractively. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fun twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the wafers will continue to soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh but still delightful the next day.
Freezing
This pudding does not freeze well due to its creamy texture and the fresh bananas inside. Freezing can cause the bananas to become mushy and the pudding to separate when thawed, so sticking to refrigeration is the best choice.
Reheating
This dessert is traditionally served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you absolutely want a warm version, consider creating a fresh batch of pudding without bananas or wafers, then serve immediately warm. Otherwise, always enjoy it cold for that authentic Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Recipe experience.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While you can substitute low-fat milk, using whole milk gives the pudding its signature creamy richness. Lower-fat milk might result in a thinner texture and less indulgent flavor.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Choose ripe bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots—their sweetness and softness are perfect for blending into the pudding without overpowering it.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill for at least 3 hours or overnight improves the flavors and softens the wafers just right.
Is it necessary to temper the egg yolks?
Yes, tempering the yolks prevents them from scrambling when added to the hot mixture, ensuring a smooth, silky pudding.
What can I do if I don’t have vanilla wafers?
If you can’t find vanilla wafers, ladyfingers or shortbread cookies can be good substitutes, though they may alter the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Recipe a try—it’s one of those comforting desserts that sparks nostalgia and joy with every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a simple homemade treat, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Enjoy every creamy, banana-filled spoonful and watch this recipe become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern dessert, Banana Pudding features creamy, homemade vanilla pudding layered with ripe banana slices and crunchy vanilla wafers. This indulgent treat is chilled to perfection and optionally topped with whipped cream for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Pudding
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Assembly
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 50 wafers)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients and milk: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the milk while whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Cook pudding base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 6–8 minutes.
- Temper egg yolks: Remove from heat. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to slowly bring up the temperature of the eggs, preventing curdling.
- Combine eggs and cook further: Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Return to medium-low heat and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the pudding thickens further. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool pudding: Allow the pudding to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Layer ingredients: In a dish or individual serving glasses, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding in repeating layers, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill: Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream, additional banana slices, or crumbled vanilla wafers for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to temper the eggs properly to avoid scrambled egg bits in the pudding.
- Covering the pudding directly with plastic wrap prevents a thick skin from forming on the surface.
- Use ripe but firm bananas so they hold up well during layering and chilling.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute milk with almond or coconut milk, but the flavor and texture may vary.
