Banana Pudding Vanilla Wafers (Printable)

Creamy pudding with bananas and wafers, topped with whipped cream. Southern comfort with a rich, cool finish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pudding

01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Assembly

08 - 1 box vanilla wafers (about 7 ounces)
09 - 4 ripe bananas, sliced

→ Whipped Cream

10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Method:

01 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
03 - In a separate mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to gently warm the yolks.
04 - Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, until the pudding is thick and creamy.
05 - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Allow the pudding to cool slightly, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
06 - In a 2-quart trifle dish or glass bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices and warm pudding. Repeat the layering process, ending with a final layer of pudding on top.
07 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
08 - Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
09 - Spread or pipe the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pudding. Garnish with extra banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers if desired and serve cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Relies on simple affordable ingredients
  • Easy enough for beginner bakers
  • Perfect for making ahead
  • Crowd pleasing for potlucks or family meals
02 -
  • A make ahead lifesaver
  • Rich in potassium from bananas
  • Great for potlucks or celebrations
03 -
  • Always whisk constantly when making pudding to prevent lumps
  • Use the ripest bananas you can for the deepest flavor
  • Chill your bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for maximum fluff
  • If you want clean layers be patient when spooning the pudding and do not rush assembly

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