Indulge in The Very Best Banana Pudding, a creamy Southern classic that combines layers of velvety homemade pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings and will delight your guests with its rich flavor and delightful texture. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups heavy whipping cream
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
Instructions:
Prepare the Pudding:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken, creating a rich base for your dessert.
Mix in Condensed Milk:
Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. Stir until fully combined, enhancing the sweetness and flavor of your pudding.
Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer or whisk. This will give your pudding a light, airy texture.
Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that luxurious texture.
Layer the Ingredients:
In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, begin layering the ingredients:
Start with a layer of vanilla wafers.
Add a layer of banana slices.
Spread a layer of the pudding mixture on top.
Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of pudding.
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set. Before serving, garnish with extra banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers for an added touch of elegance.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Before serving, consider garnishing your banana pudding with extra banana slices, crushed vanilla wafers, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal.
Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, serve the pudding in individual cups or jars. This makes it easy for guests to grab their servings and adds a charming touch to any gathering.
Temperature: Serve the banana pudding chilled, as this enhances its refreshing taste and creamy texture. Make sure to remove it from the fridge shortly before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
Accompaniments: Pair the pudding with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and texture.
Layer Separation: To prevent the vanilla wafers from becoming soggy, you can store the wafers separately and add them just before serving if you anticipate leftovers.
Freezing: While banana pudding is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pudding without the vanilla wafers. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and add fresh banana slices and wafers just before enjoying.
Avoid Overmixing: If you’re preparing the pudding ahead of time, avoid overmixing the whipped cream into the pudding, as it may deflate. Instead, gently fold it in to maintain a light and airy texture.
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FAQs:
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix! Just prepare your favorite vanilla pudding recipe and let it cool before folding in the whipped cream. Keep in mind that homemade pudding may require additional time for cooking and cooling.
How long does banana pudding last in the refrigerator?
Banana pudding can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, it’s best to consume it within this time frame. After a few days, the vanilla wafers may become soggy, and the bananas may start to brown.
Can I freeze banana pudding?
While it’s possible to freeze banana pudding, it’s not recommended to freeze it with the bananas and vanilla wafers included. You can freeze the pudding mixture without the toppings in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and add fresh bananas and wafers before serving.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you’re looking for a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, you can use evaporated milk mixed with an equal amount of sugar (about 1 cup of sugar for 1 cup of evaporated milk). Alternatively, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk if you prefer a non-dairy option. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and sweetness of the pudding.
Conclusion:
The Very Best Banana Pudding is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its creamy texture, combined with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of vanilla wafers, makes it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer day or at a holiday gathering, this banana pudding is sure to be a hit. Try this recipe and experience the deliciousness that is banana pudding!
📖 Recipe:
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The Very Best Banana Pudding
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana pudding is a beloved classic dessert, especially in the South, where it’s often a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners. With its creamy layers of pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, The Very Best Banana Pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating this luscious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups heavy whipping cream
4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the pudding mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer or whisk.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
- In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, layer the ingredients: start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices, and then spread a layer of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Before serving, garnish with extra banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers if desired.
Notes
For best results, consume within 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Store leftover wafers separately to avoid sogginess.
You can substitute homemade pudding for the instant pudding mix if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
Keywords: banana pudding, Southern dessert, creamy pudding, vanilla wafers, easy dessert recipe, homemade pudding, no-bake dessert, classic banana pudding
