Description

An ultra-creamy, homemade banana pudding that combines a rich custard base with vanilla wafers and ripe bananas. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for summer parties and requires no fancy equipment.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
6 large egg yolks
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large ripe bananas
1 package (15.25 oz) vanilla wafers
Optional: Whipped cream, chocolate chips, maraschino cherries

Instructions

Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl until pale and thick (about 2 minutes).
Whisk in flour until smooth, then slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly.
Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and cook, stirring constantly, for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and let cool to room temperature.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Peel and slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, create layers: start with vanilla wafers, spread half the cooled custard, add half the bananas, and repeat layers. Top with remaining wafers.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow wafers to soften.
Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream and optional garnishes.

Notes

Use ripe bananas with yellow skins and brown speckles for best flavor. Prevent bananas from browning by tossing with a little lemon juice. The pudding improves overnight as flavors meld. Do not freeze as bananas become mushy and custard separates. Ensure custard is thick enough to hold its shape before assembling to avoid watery pudding.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 180
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: banana pudding, summer dessert, easy dessert, party dessert, homemade pudding, vanilla wafers, creamy dessert, make-ahead dessert