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Creamy Classic Banana Pudding Recipe with Vanilla Wafers Easy and Perfect

creamy classic banana pudding - featured image

A nostalgic and fresh homemade banana pudding made from scratch with a silky vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and classic vanilla wafers. This easy dessert is perfect for any occasion and delivers comforting, creamy texture with a nostalgic crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 45 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 package vanilla wafers
  • Optional Topping:
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/3 cup all-purpose flour. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks lightly. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking vigorously.
  4. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
  5. Return to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let cool about 10 minutes.
  7. Slice 4-5 ripe bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  8. In a 9×9-inch dish, spread a thin layer of custard on the bottom. Add a layer of vanilla wafers, then a layer of banana slices.
  9. Repeat layering custard, wafers, and bananas until all ingredients are used. Finish with a generous layer of custard on top.
  10. Cover pudding with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. Optional: Just before serving, whip 1 cup chilled heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over pudding.

Notes

Stir custard constantly to prevent lumps and scorching. Temper egg yolks slowly to avoid scrambling. Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness. Chill pudding at least 4 hours for best texture. Whip cream topping just before serving for lightness. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute milk and butter accordingly and use cornstarch instead of eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla wafers, classic dessert, homemade pudding, creamy banana dessert, easy banana pudding, comfort food