Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe: Silky Sweet Comfort

Crafting a dreamy banana pudding from scratch brings pure culinary magic into your kitchen.

Sweet memories of childhood desserts dance through this classic southern treat.

Creamy layers whisper comfort and nostalgia with every delightful spoonful.

Homemade pudding transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary and irresistible.

Silky custard and ripe bananas create a heavenly combination that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft vanilla wafers add delightful crunch to this luscious dessert.

Why Banana Pudding From Scratch Is Worth It

• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this banana pudding a breeze to prepare, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combining classic flavors of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this recipe guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld together and making party planning stress-free.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, summer picnics, or as a comforting weekend dessert that brings everyone together.

Everything Needed For Banana Pudding From Scratch

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy base that provides rich texture to the pudding.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creamy consistency to the dessert.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a classic pudding flavor and helps thicken the mixture.
• Cold Milk: Helps blend the pudding ingredients and create a smooth texture.

• Bananas: Fresh sliced fruit that adds natural sweetness and classic banana pudding flavor.

• Vanilla Wafers, Whipped Topping, Vanilla Extract: Provide additional flavor, texture, and creaminess to complete the classic banana pudding dessert.

Steps To Make Banana Pudding From Scratch

Step 1: Whip Cream Cheese

Use an electric mixer to blend cream cheese until it becomes silky and smooth, creating a creamy base for the pudding.

Step 2: Create Pudding Mixture

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Cold milk

Continue mixing for 3-5 minutes to ensure a perfect blend.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancer

Stir in vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to distribute the rich vanilla flavor throughout the pudding.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping

Gently incorporate thawed whipped topping, blending until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Build First Layer

• Spread vanilla wafers across the bottom
• Arrange sliced bananas over the wafers

Step 6: Add Pudding Layer

Spread half of the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the wafers and bananas.

Step 7: Create Second Layer

• Add another set of vanilla wafers
• Place additional banana slices
• Cover with remaining pudding mixture

Step 8: Garnish and Chill

Top the pudding with any leftover vanilla wafers and banana slices. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and serve chilled, savoring the delightful layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crisp wafers.

Helpful Tips For Banana Pudding From Scratch

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Use ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in the dessert.
• Ensure wafers are placed strategically to create structured layers and prevent soggy bottom.
• Chill pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight for better flavor melding and firmer consistency.
• Cover pudding with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation and maintain creamy texture.

Tasty Options For Banana Pudding From Scratch

• Chocolate Banana Bliss: Swap vanilla wafers with chocolate cookies and add cocoa powder to the pudding mixture for a rich, chocolatey version.
• Nutty Banana Dream: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between layers and on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Tropical Paradise: Replace some bananas with diced pineapple or mango, and add a splash of coconut extract to the pudding for a tropical spin.
• No-Bake Berry Banana: Mix in fresh strawberries or raspberries between layers and garnish with fresh berries on top for a fruity alternative.

Perfect Pairings With Banana Pudding From Scratch

• Elevate Dessert Flavor Companions: Perfectly Paired Delights
• Brew Bold Coffee Match: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, offering a robust contrast to the creamy banana pudding's smooth texture.
• Complement with Nutty Liqueur: Amaretto or hazelnut liqueur drizzled alongside introduces a sophisticated almond undertone that beautifully enhances the dessert's vanilla and banana notes.
• Serve with Crisp White Wine: A chilled moscato or riesling provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the pudding's dense, sweet profile, creating a delightful palate-cleansing experience.
• Garnish with Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the dessert's overall sensory experience.

How To Store Banana Pudding From Scratch Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the bananas from browning and absorbing other food odors.
• Portion the pudding into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Seal securely and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Gently thaw frozen pudding in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, do not microwave, as this can separate the creamy texture and make the bananas mushy.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, give the pudding a quick stir to restore its original creamy consistency and refresh the layers.

Questions On Banana Pudding From Scratch

• Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can replace the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. Just whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form before folding into the pudding mixture.

• Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?

An electric mixer helps create a smoother, lump-free pudding, but you can use a whisk if you don’t have one. Just be prepared to mix vigorously to achieve a creamy consistency.

• How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots. They should be soft but not mushy, which provides the best flavor and texture for the pudding.

Banana Pudding from Scratch Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy banana pudding embraces Southern comfort with layers of vanilla-soaked wafers and ripe bananas. Rich custard and fluffy whipped cream create a nostalgic dessert you’ll savor to the last delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 bananas, sliced
• 1/2 (12 ounces) package vanilla wafers

Dairy and Pudding Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) cold milk
• 1 (8 ounces) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 (5 ounces) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Whip cream cheese with an electric mixer until silky and velvety, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and cold milk, blending thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency, approximately 3-5 minutes.
3. Infuse vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring until perfectly integrated.
4. Delicately fold thawed whipped topping, creating a smooth, aerated texture.
5. Construct the first foundation layer in a 9×13-inch dish by arranging vanilla wafers across the bottom, followed by a generous spread of banana slices.
6. Generously distribute half of the pudding mixture over the wafers and bananas, creating an even landscape of creamy goodness.
7. Replicate the layering process with remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture, building delectable strata.
8. Crown the dessert with scattered wafer fragments and banana garnishes.
9. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and pudding to solidify into a perfectly set dessert.
10. Serve thoroughly chilled, presenting a classic southern-style banana pudding that promises pure indulgence.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese beforehand ensures a smoother, lump-free texture that blends easily with other ingredients.
• Use ripe, slightly spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile in the pudding.
• Make gluten-free by substituting regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free alternatives or crushed gluten-free graham crackers.
• Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before layering, which maintains their fresh appearance and prevents oxidation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 338 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 238 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg