This classic Banana Pudding recipe is a rich, creamy dessert that’s made entirely from scratch, offering a silky smooth texture and the perfect balance of sweetness. Made with vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, a sweet treat, or for a special occasion, this easy-to-make recipe will become a favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk

• ⅔ cup sugar

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 large egg yolks, beaten

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or caviar from ½ vanilla bean)

• 2 large bananas, peeled and chopped (divided)

• 2.5 ounces broken-up mini Nilla wafers

Directions

Pudding Process:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat. Whisk until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.

2. Once simmering, lower the heat and cook for about 12 minutes while stirring constantly until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

3. Remove 1 cup of the hot mixture and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg yolks. Once incorporated, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and stir well.

4. Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla until smooth.

5. Place the pot in an ice bath, stirring occasionally, until the mixture cools to room temperature (about 30 minutes).

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or until completely chilled.

Assembly:

1. Once the pudding has chilled, fold in 1 chopped banana.

2. Scoop some Nilla wafer crumbs into the bottom of individual serving cups. Add a small scoop of chopped bananas, followed by a layer of pudding.

3. Repeat the process by adding another layer of banana, cookie crumbs, and pudding. Top with a sprinkle of banana and cookie crumbs.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 423 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 73 g

• Protein: 7 g

• Fat: 12 g

  • Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Cholesterol: 112 mg

• Sodium: 275 mg

• Potassium: 429 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 54 g

• Vitamin A: 451 IU

• Vitamin C: 6 mg

• Calcium: 152 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

The Rich History of Banana Pudding

Banana pudding has been a beloved dessert in the United States for decades, particularly in the Southern states where it’s considered a staple at picnics, potlucks, and holiday meals. The exact origins of banana pudding are debated, but it’s generally believed to have evolved from earlier custard-based recipes. The addition of bananas and wafers is what truly makes it distinctive.

While variations of banana pudding exist, the classic recipe featuring vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and Nilla wafers is the most popular and widely recognized. It was originally made using pre-packaged pudding mix, but over the years, food lovers have taken the time to craft this dessert entirely from scratch, which enhances its depth of flavor and creamy texture. This recipe, which includes real milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract, elevates the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence.

Why This Banana Pudding Is Special

What sets this banana pudding recipe apart from the rest is its from-scratch approach. Making your own pudding base ensures that it has a smooth, velvety texture and rich, full flavor. The cornstarch creates the perfect thickness, while the egg yolks add richness and depth to the pudding. The vanilla extract or caviar from a vanilla bean infuses the pudding with an aromatic sweetness that’s far superior to anything from a box.

Another standout feature of this dessert is the use of ripe bananas. Bananas naturally complement the pudding’s sweetness with their own creamy and slightly tart flavor. The addition of Nilla wafers adds a perfect crunch, offering a contrasting texture that rounds out the creamy pudding and soft bananas. This combination of flavors and textures is what makes banana pudding a true crowd-pleaser.

A Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Texture

The beauty of banana pudding lies in its ability to balance sweetness and texture. The homemade vanilla pudding is not overly sweet, thanks to the combination of milk and eggs, which allows the natural sweetness of the bananas to shine through. The ripe bananas, sliced into generous pieces, add a fresh, fruity contrast to the pudding, creating a layered effect that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.

The Nilla wafers play a crucial role as well. As they soak up the pudding, they soften and become wonderfully tender while still holding onto enough texture to provide a satisfying crunch. The wafers’ subtle vanilla flavor complements both the bananas and the pudding base, making them an integral part of the dessert.

The Importance of Chilling

Chilling the pudding mixture is a key step in ensuring the dessert comes out just right. After cooking the pudding base and allowing it to cool to room temperature, it’s essential to refrigerate it for at least 5 hours, or ideally overnight. This helps the pudding thicken further and allows all the flavors to meld together. Chilling also gives the pudding a firmer texture, making it easier to layer with the bananas and Nilla wafers.

While you might be tempted to serve the banana pudding immediately after assembling it, allowing it to sit in the fridge helps the layers set and enhances the overall flavor. The pudding becomes even more luxurious, and the Nilla wafers fully absorb the creamy pudding, resulting in a delightful consistency that’s both smooth and decadent.

Customizing Your Banana Pudding

One of the great things about banana pudding is its versatility. While the classic version with vanilla pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers is the traditional approach, there are many ways to customize this dessert to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

For example, you could substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond or oat milk, to make the dessert vegan or dairy-free. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar or opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. If you enjoy adding a little extra flavor, you can experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even add a splash of rum or vanilla liqueur for an adult twist.

For a more decadent dessert, consider adding layers of whipped cream or a meringue topping before serving. You can also mix in other fruits, such as berries or peaches, to create a unique version of the banana pudding. However, for those who appreciate the classic flavor profile, sticking to the original recipe is always a winning choice.

Banana Pudding: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Banana pudding is a great dessert to make when feeding a crowd. It’s easy to prepare in advance, and the individual servings make it perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. This dessert doesn’t require fancy presentation or advanced skills—simply layer the pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers, chill, and serve. The visual appeal of the banana pudding, with its creamy layers and slices of bananas peeking through, makes it an attractive addition to any table.

In addition to its delicious flavor and texture, banana pudding is highly adaptable. You can easily scale the recipe to accommodate larger groups or adjust it to suit dietary restrictions. Whether you’re serving it as a casual treat or at a special event, this dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Nutritional Value of Banana Pudding

Though banana pudding is indulgent, it offers a satisfying treat without being overly rich. A serving typically contains around 423 calories, making it a reasonably sized dessert. The pudding is rich in carbohydrates, with 73 grams per serving, mostly from the sugar and bananas. It also provides 7 grams of protein and 12 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat from the whole milk and butter. The sodium content is 275 milligrams per serving, and it also provides a healthy dose of potassium (429 mg), which is essential for heart and muscle function.

The dessert is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, with a decent amount of Vitamin A (451 IU) and some Vitamin C (6 mg) from the bananas. The calcium (152 mg) and iron (1 mg) content further contribute to the overall nutritional value of this dessert. Though it’s not low in fat or sugar, banana pudding can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially when made with wholesome, natural ingredients.

Conclusion: A Timeless Comfort Food

Classic Banana Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting, nostalgic treat that brings joy to those who enjoy it. With its rich, creamy vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a sweet indulgence, this homemade banana pudding recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, it’s a dessert that everyone will love, offering the perfect blend of comfort, sweetness, and flavor.