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Classic Creamy Banana Pudding Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert with Nilla Wafers

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A classic creamy banana pudding made from scratch with homemade vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp Nilla Wafers. This easy dessert is perfect for gatherings and nostalgic comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with almond milk for a lighter option)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 box Nilla Wafers (about 11 ounces)
  • Optional: Whipped cream for topping (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk while whisking to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula to prevent lumps. After about 5-7 minutes, the mixture will thicken and start to bubble gently. Keep stirring to avoid scorching.
  3. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the 4 egg yolks. Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to warm them up without scrambling.
  4. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue cooking on medium heat for another 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly until the custard thickens further and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth. Optionally, strain through a fine mesh sieve for extra smoothness.
  6. Transfer the pudding to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully chilled.
  7. Just before assembling, slice the bananas into thin rounds to avoid browning.
  8. In your chosen dish, start with a layer of Nilla Wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices, and then a layer of pudding. Repeat the layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with a pudding layer on top.
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and wafers soften slightly but still hold some crunch.
  10. Just before serving, spread or pipe whipped cream over the top for an extra creamy finish (optional).

Notes

Constant stirring during cooking prevents lumps and burning. Use room temperature eggs to avoid curdling. Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning. Chill pudding for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Optional whipped cream topping adds lightness. Can substitute gluten-free vanilla cookies for Nilla Wafers for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, creamy banana pudding, Nilla Wafers, homemade dessert, classic banana pudding, easy dessert, Southern dessert

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/classic-creamy-banana-pudding-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-nilla-wafers/