Best Banana Pudding From Scratch
A classic Southern US treat, Banana Pudding is known for its creaminess, comforting texture and sweet/fruity flavor. It is the quintessential dessert for the warm season that is always a hit at cookouts, potlucks and other functions with family/friends. This recipe is for Banana Pudding entirely from scratch, without having to use Jell-O instant pudding or Cool Whip.
Equipment
- 1 Whisk
- Hand *OR* Stand Mixer
- 1 Plastic Spatula
- Fork
- Spoon
- 1 3qt Mixing Bowl
- 1 3qt Saucepan
- 1 8x8 Baking Dish
- Measuring Cups/Spoons
- 1 Butcher Knife
- Food Processor (optional for crushing wafers)
- 1 Mallet (optional for crushing wafers)
- 1 Medium Bowl (optional for holding banana slices)
Ingredients
- 1/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup White Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 TSP Iodized Salt
- 2 Cans Evaporated Milk
- 2 TBSP Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)
- 1 TSP Vanilla Extract
- 1 TSP Banana Extract
- 1 Box Vanilla Wafers
- 2 Large Ripe Bananas (or 3 Medium Ripe Bananas)
- 3 Extra Large Egg Yolks
Whipped Cream
- 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 TSP Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Custard
- Separate egg yolks from egg whites
- To the cool 3qt saucepan, add dry ingredients (flour, salt & sugar) then whisk until well-blended and lump-free.
- Add egg yolks and half of evaporated milk to saucepan with the dry ingredients, then whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well-combined and lump-free.
- Add remainder of evaporated milk to pot and whisk vigorously until well combined with other ingredients.
- Warm saucepan on medium to medium-low heat and whisk briskly non-stop until thickened. On electric stove, this should take approx. 15-20 minutes***.
- After 15-20 minutes (or once desired thickness is reached), immediately remove from heat and continue whisking briskly for additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add butter and 1 TSP vanilla/banana extract to custard then whisk until combined
- Allow custard to cool for up to 15 minutes.
Layering
- Cut bananas into small round slices.
- Layer your banana pudding, starting with wafers, bananas then custard, and repeat once.
- Top final layer of custard with whipped cream and smooth until forming an even layer and everything is covered.
- Decorate top of banana pudding with final layer of wafers and garnish with crushed wafers.
- Cover and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours (overnight for best results).
Whipped Cream
- In 3qt mixing bowl, add heavy whipping cream, 1/2 TSP vanilla extract + powdered sugar
- Mix on medium speed with hand/stand mixer for 2 minutes (or until soft peaks form)
Video
Notes
***Recipe was tested using an electric stove top. Exact cook times may vary if using a gas or induction stove top.
Disclaimer