Homemade Banana Pudding

This classic Homemade Banana Pudding is rich, creamy, and layered with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and silky vanilla pudding. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, it’s a timeless dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holidays.

Ingredients

For the Pudding

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Layers

• 1 (11 oz / 312 g) box vanilla wafers
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced

For the Topping

• 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs, whisking constantly.
5. Pour the tempered eggs back into the saucepan and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thick and smooth.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
8. In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers.
9. Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by one-third of the pudding.
10. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with pudding.
11. Spread the whipped cream over the top and garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices if desired.
12. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Tips

• Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Brush banana slices with a little lemon juice to slow browning.
• Chilling overnight allows the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.
• For extra richness, fold half of the whipped cream into the cooled pudding before assembling.

Serving Suggestions

• Extra vanilla wafers
• Caramel drizzle
• Toasted pecans
• Fresh berries
• Hot coffee or iced tea

Storage

• Refrigerator: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the bananas and pudding can become watery after thawing.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 10–12