Here’s a delicious recipe for Banana Pudding that you’ll love. Layered no-bake goodness with creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, cookies, and a dab of whipped cream makes the best banana pudding recipe and it is the kind of dessert that is as easy to make ahead of time as it is to share with friends and family. Serving this banana pudding in a trifle dish or individual glasses adds a touch to the presentation of good banana pudding.
The combination of bananas, velvety pudding, and classic vanilla wafers in this recipe will evoke memories of childhood. By using milk and sweetened condensed milk, the pudding achieves a smooth texture that is simply irresistible. Folding in whipped cream further enhances banana flavor and this amazing recipe with its fluffy consistency.
This no-bake dessert is ideal for those scorching days when you want to avoid turning on the oven. The timeless appeal of the flavors guarantees that it will quickly become a household favorite. What’s beautiful about this dessert is that it shows off the layers, so make it a beautiful centerpiece for any type of occasion. For banana-inspired treats, consider exploring recipes like this Banoffee Pie, Banana Cupcakes, or this classic Banana Cream Pie.
What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
Ingredients for easy banana pudding recipe:
- Bananas – The most ripe bananas that are firm with no green and only a few brown spots on the skin will be the sweetest and best for slicing. What you want are bananas that are sweet but not so ripe that they’re mushy, like the ones you use to bake banana bread.
- Vanilla pudding– This no-bake recipe is so fast and simple with a little help from some instant pudding mix. Naturally, you can make homemade pudding too. My notes below have my favorite homemade pudding recipe.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and richness to the creaminess that will make the pudding layer to be spreadable and deliciously perfect.
- Vanilla wafer cookies: This is just the basic cookie to make banana pudding with. The vanilla wafers soften well as the pudding sits in the refrigerator, but you can substitute your favorite type of shortbread cookie or use Chessman cookies if you prefer those over the vanilla wafers.
How to Make Banana Pudding
Gather these ingredients on your marble countertop to start preparing this delicious homemade banana pudding recipe:
Step 1: Make the pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk with the sweetened condensed milk. Add the vanilla pudding and whisk until smooth. Allow it to refrigerate for 5 minutes or until set.
Step 2: Mix the cream
In a stand mixer, using a whisk attachment, beat 2 cups of cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you get peaks.
Step 3: Mix the pudding and whipped cream
Fold the whipped heavy cream very gently into the pudding mixture. Cut the bananas into coins that are about half an inch thick.
Step 4: Layer it up
Start by placing a layer of cookies at the bottom of a trifle dish. Then spoon a quarter of the pudding mixture over the cookies. Spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Repeat the layers
Continue to layer cookies with sliced bananas on top of the pudding. Put the cookies along the sides of the trifle dish. Add another quarter of the instant vanilla pudding mix to the mixture. Keep repeating this process until you’ve used up all your vanilla pudding mix, alternating between cookies and bananas for each row against the glass edge.
Step 6: Finish with whipped cream
- Whisk together one cup of cream, with one teaspoon of vanilla extract and one tablespoon of sugar. Spoon dollops of whipped cream on top of your dessert. Add some cookie crumbles or banana slices as garnish. Let it chill in the fridge for three hours before serving.
- In a pot mix together 1/2 cup of sugar 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour or cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually stir in 2 cups of milk at room temperature. Heat over heat. Stir continuously until thickened and bubbling which usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- In a medium bowl whisk together 3 egg yolks. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture while whisking. Then add this egg mixture back, into the pot with the milk mixture. Cook over heat until it just starts to bubble. Transfer to a bowl covered with wrap directly on the surface let it cool completely and then chill for at least 2 hours. To finish making the pudding fold whipped cream into the chilled mixture as per your recipe instructions.
Can you freeze banana pudding?
Yes and No! If you divide any leftover pudding into containers and serve it frozen then yes—it makes for a delightful cold treat that’s perfect, for summertime enjoyment! However, once fully thawed out any ice crystals that formed during freezing will melt away.
This can cause the texture of both the creamy pudding, and bananas to become watery or separated. For storing leftovers I recommend covering and refrigerating the banana cream pudding, so you can enjoy it within five days.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
1. Keep an eye on the whipped cream: Be cautious not to overwhip the whipping cream as it can turn into butter if left unattended while mixing. The remaining whipped cream is ready when stiff peaks form and hold their shape when the beaters are lifted out of the bowl.
2. Any glass bowl or serving dish will do: If you don’t have a trifle bowl you can still enjoy this dessert by layering it in any glass bowl, casserole dish, or serving dish. Using a glass vessel will showcase the layers beautifully.
3. Spoon the pudding mixture gently: To maintain the arrangement of cookies and sliced bananas spoon the pudding mixture evenly over each layer in the trifle bowl. Avoid spreading it to preserve the integrity of the lower layers best banana pudding.
4. Divide cookies and bananas evenly: Before assembling the layers separate the cookies and bananas into portions. This ensures that you have ingredients for each layer; alternatively have bananas on hand if needed.
5. Save time with homemade whipped cream topping: You can use a whipped topping like Cool Whip as a convenient substitute, in this easy banana pudding, recipe.
Whipped cream topping is usually found in the freezer aisle. Remember to let it thaw in the fridge as, per the package instructions before using it.
For a party option try making servings of this fantastic homemade banana pudding recipe using plastic cups or wine glasses. Simply distribute the banana pudding ingredients evenly among your chosen number of servings to ensure they’re all uniform!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
