Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

There’s something truly nostalgic about the simple pleasure of old-fashioned homemade banana pudding. It takes me back to cozy family gatherings, where dessert was the sweet finale to lively conversations and shared laughter. My grandmother used to make this creamy delight, and the smell of warm vanilla mingling with fresh bananas would fill the air like a comforting hug. Now, I’m passing on her cherished recipe, hoping to evoke those same feelings of warmth and joy in your home.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So why should you whip up this glorious concoction tonight? Well, for starters, the combination of velvety pudding, fresh banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers is like a party on your palate! Each spoonful feels like nostalgia wrapped in a deliciously light, creamy cloud. And let’s not forget the pure satisfaction of creating something from scratch that not only tastes heavenly, but also brings people together. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience that invites everyone to gather around and savor every bite.

Imagine the delight on your loved ones’ faces as they dive into a dish of this classic banana goodness. It’s easy to prepare, and the flavors improve as it chills, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will earn a permanent spot on your dessert rotation!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s set the stage for this delightful dessert by gathering some simple yet vibrant ingredients.

• Milk: You’ll need 2 cups of whole or 2% milk. This creamy base is what makes our pudding luxuriously thick and smooth. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can use almond or soy milk, but the flavor will be different.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the deal with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. It’s the magic that brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas. If you want to experiment, try using coconut sugar or honey instead.
• Cornstarch: Your secret thickening agent, 1/3 cup of cornstarch will give your pudding its silky body. It’s essential for that dreamy texture, so don’t skip it!
• Salt: Just a pinch, 1/4 teaspoon, to enhance all the flavors. Salt in desserts can be a game-changer, bringing balance to the sweetness.
• Egg Yolks: You’ll need the richness of 3 large egg yolks. They add depth and a luscious quality to the pudding. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you could consider a flaxseed alternative, but it won’t have quite the same effect.
• Unsalted Butter: The star of the finishing touch, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter melds into the pudding for added richness. It’s pure indulgence!
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor—no imitation, please! If you want to jazz it up, try using vanilla bean paste for even more depth.
• Bananas: You can’t have banana pudding without them! Use 3 ripe bananas, sliced. The riper, the better—look for those with some brown speckles for maximum sweetness.
• Vanilla Wafers: A box of these delightful cookies introduces a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pudding.
• Whipped Cream (optional): Finally, if you’re feeling indulgent, top with a dollop of whipped cream—it’s like the cherry on top, giving it a final touch of elegance.

Preparing Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Alright, let’s get down to orchestrating this dessert symphony. Here’s how it comes together:

1. Start by whisking together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble—around 5 to 7 minutes. This is where the magic begins! Keep an eye on it; you want it to become a smooth, luscious pudding without lumps.

2. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until they’re well blended. Now, it’s time to temper the eggs! Slowly pour in a ladleful of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to prevent them from scrambling. You’re doing great—this step ensures your pudding retains its creamy texture.

3. Carefully return the egg mixture back to the saucepan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens up again. Remove from heat and mix in the butter and vanilla extract. Oh, that aroma! Let it sit and cool for a moment.

4. In a beautiful serving dish (or individual cups if you prefer), layer the vanilla wafers, then add a generous layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of that luscious pudding. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients. End with pudding on top if you’re feeling fancy.

5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—that’s the hardest part! Letting it sit helps meld all those glorious flavors together. When you’re ready to serve, top with that whipped cream, if using, for an extra treat.

Best way to enjoy it

When you’re ready to dig in, grab a spoon and dive into those glorious layers! This banana pudding is an indulgent treat by itself, but consider pairing it with a steaming cup of coffee or a light herbal tea to balance the sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring a scoop of vanilla ice cream into the mix. Can you imagine the glorious carbonation of sugar and ice cream melting together? Heavenly!

Keeping leftovers fresh

So, what happens if you have leftovers? Trust me, you’ll want to keep them around for those late-night cravings or surprise visitors. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This pudding will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days—just be aware that the vanilla wafers may soften after a day or two. If you want to enjoy that crunch, you might want to add a fresh layer of cookies just before serving!

If you’re really looking to stretch things out, you can freeze it—but a word of caution: the texture may change a bit upon thawing. However, in a pinch, it’s still delicious! Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Pro chef tips

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to ensure your banana pudding shines:

• Quality matters: Use the best vanilla extract you can find; it makes a difference. If you can get your hands on fresh vanilla beans, do it! The flecks in the pudding will look gorgeous.
• Don’t rush the cooling: Patience is key! Letting the pudding chill properly enhances the flavors and gives the dessert its signature texture.
• Banana bath: To keep sliced bananas from browning, toss them lightly in a mixture of lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar. This step is not only functional but adds a bit of brightness to the flavor!

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, consider these ideas to give your banana pudding a unique flair:

• Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in some chocolate ganache between the layers, or sprinkle mini chocolate chips. You’re onto a different dessert level with that combination!
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts between the layers for a delightful surprise texture that compliments the softness.
• Replacements: Swap bananas for other fruits like strawberries, peaches, or even mixed berries for a refreshing spin.
• Adult Version: Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon for an adult-only batch, giving it an unexpected warmth.

Key ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions to follow

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
3. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and slowly add some of the hot mixture to temper the yolks.
4. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
6. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Your questions answered

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter substitute. However, the texture might change slightly.

2. How can I keep my bananas from browning?
   A sprinkle of lemon juice can help slow down the oxidation process. Just toss the banana slices in a little before layering.

3. Can I prepare this banana pudding in advance?
   Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a day in the fridge. Just hold off on adding whipped cream until serving.

4. Is there a gluten-free option?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free cookies in place of vanilla wafers and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

5. How long does banana pudding last in the fridge?
   It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Just remember that the wafers will lose their crunch over time.

I hope you take the plunge and create this luscious, dreamy banana pudding. It’s a dish that not only rewards your efforts with delightful flavors, but it also stirs up memories and conversations. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

♻️ Uses leftover egg yolks96%

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

♻️ Uses leftover milk40%

Print Recipe

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Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 150 hrs

Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 250

Best Season: year-round

Description

A nostalgic old-fashioned homemade banana pudding with layers of creamy goodness, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pudding

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% milk)
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar (Coconut sugar or honey can be used as alternatives.)
• ¹⁄₃ cup cornstarch (Essential for thickening the pudding.)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt (Enhances sweetness.)
• 3 large egg yolks (For richness.)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (For added richness.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Use pure for best flavor.)
• 3 pieces bananas (Ripe and sliced.)
• 1 box vanilla wafers (For layering.)
• to taste whipped cream (Optional topping.)

Instructions

Making the Pudding

1. Combine Ingredients

   In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
   Keep an eye on it to avoid lumps.
   Mark as complete

2. Temper Egg Yolks

   In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly add some of the hot mixture to temper the yolks, whisking continuously.
   This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the Mixture

   Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thick.
   Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
   Mark as complete

4. Layer the Dessert

   In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
   Top with whipped cream before serving if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 250kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10g16%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 180mg60%

Sodium 150mg7%

Potassium 250mg8%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 20g

Protein 5g10%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 150 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 0.5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 100 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 10 mg

Zinc 0.5 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best taste, allow chilling.

Keywords: banana pudding, dessert, homemade, nostalgic, family recipe