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Classic Banana Pudding Recipe with Vanilla Wafers Easy 5-Step Dessert

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A nostalgic and comforting dessert featuring creamy homemade custard, sweet banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced (about 2 large or 3 medium)
  • 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 oz / 312 g)
  • Optional: Whipped cream for topping (freshly whipped or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the custard base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until well combined. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 7-10 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon like a thick cream.
  2. Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk about half a cup (120 ml) of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to warm them up slowly—this prevents curdling. Then, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
  3. Cook the custard: Continue cooking over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens further and becomes glossy. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract (or seeds from the vanilla bean) and butter until fully incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
  4. Assemble the pudding: In your serving dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top with a layer of banana slices, then spread a generous layer of custard over them. Repeat the layering—wafers, bananas, custard—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a custard layer on top.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface of the pudding to avoid skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the wafers soften slightly but still hold some texture. Just before serving, top with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Use firm ripe bananas to avoid mushiness. Press plastic wrap directly on the pudding surface to prevent skin formation. Overnight chilling improves flavor melding and texture. For dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use cornstarch to replace eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla wafers, classic dessert, homemade custard, easy dessert, southern dessert, banana dessert, creamy pudding

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/classic-banana-pudding-recipe-with-vanilla-wafers-easy-5-step-dessert/