Best Banana Pudding Ever

Name: Best Banana Pudding Ever
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies

Isabella

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If you’re on the hunt for the Best Banana Pudding Ever, you’ve just stumbled upon a classic Southern dessert that’s sure to impress. Creamy layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped topping create a delightful experience in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, this banana pudding recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and nostalgia.

Ingredients:

1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups cold milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies

Directions:

Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Set aside for a few minutes.

Make Whipped Cream: In another bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create a rich and fluffy homemade whipped cream.

Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding along with the sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Layer the Dessert: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the bottom with vanilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices, followed by half of the pudding mixture spread over the bananas.

Repeat the Layers: Continue layering with more vanilla wafers, banana slices, and the remaining pudding mixture on top.

Final Touch: If desired, top with additional vanilla wafers for decoration. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Tips:

Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve the banana pudding in individual dessert cups or mason jars. This not only looks appealing but also makes it easy for guests to enjoy.

Garnish: Before serving, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top and garnishing with additional banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers for extra texture and visual appeal.

Chill Before Serving: Make sure to refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly, enhancing the overall taste.

Temperature: Banana pudding is best served cold. If you’re bringing it to a gathering, keep it in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain its temperature.

Pairing Options: This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, sweet tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the pudding fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

Duration: Enjoy the banana pudding within 3–4 days for the best taste and texture. The bananas will start to brown after a couple of days, but the pudding itself will still be delicious.

Prevent Browning: To slow down the browning of the banana slices, you can lightly coat them with lemon juice before adding them to the pudding layers. This will help maintain their color.

Do Not Freeze: While this dessert is delicious, it is not suitable for freezing. Freezing can alter the texture of the bananas and the pudding, leading to a less enjoyable experience.

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FAQs:

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can use homemade vanilla pudding if you prefer a more traditional approach. Just make sure to prepare the pudding according to the recipe instructions and let it cool before folding in the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

How can I make this banana pudding gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this banana pudding, simply substitute the vanilla wafer cookies with gluten-free cookies or graham crackers. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

To slow down the browning of banana slices, you can lightly coat them with lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to preserve their color without significantly altering the flavor.

Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making banana pudding ahead of time is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld together. You can prepare the pudding and layer it a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed within 3–4 days.

Conclusion:

This Best Banana Pudding Ever recipe is not only easy to make but also brings a taste of Southern comfort to your table. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers creates a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this banana pudding will be the star of your dessert table. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor!

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