The Best Banana Pudding Recipe (with Video)

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

To make this delicious banana pudding recipe, you will need some essential ingredients and supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

**Ingredients:**

* 4 large ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds*

* 1 cup sugar*

* 2 tablespoons cornstarch*

* 2 cups milk*

* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt*

* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract*

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted*

* 2 large egg yolks*

* 1 pie crust or Nilla wafers for serving*

**Supplies:**

* A medium saucepan*

* A hand mixer or whisk*

* A measuring cup and spoons*

* A baking dish or individual ramekins*

* A blender or food processor (optional)

* Fresh banana slices for garnish

To make the ultimate banana pudding recipe, you will need a variety of ingredients and equipment. First and foremost, you will require ripe bananas, which are essential for adding natural sweetness and creamy texture to the pudding.

For the classic flavor, you’ll want to use fresh vanilla beans or high-quality vanilla extract, as these provide an authentic and deep flavor profile that complements the bananas perfectly.

Next, you will need a mixture of sugar, cornstarch, and salt to create a thickening agent. This combination helps to balance out the sweetness and adds texture to the pudding.

You’ll also require milk or heavy cream, which is crucial for achieving a creamy consistency in your banana pudding. You can use either whole milk or low-fat versions, depending on your dietary preferences.

For the whipped topping, you will need a cup of cold heavy cream and a tablespoon of granulated sugar. This simple yet elegant combination adds a light and airy texture to the dessert.

In terms of equipment, you’ll want to have a medium saucepan for cooking the pudding mixture, as well as a whisk or wooden spoon for mixing and blending ingredients. Additionally, a hand mixer or stand mixer is necessary for whipping the heavy cream into a stiff peak.

To assemble the banana pudding, you will need individual serving cups or ramekins, which provide a clean and visually appealing way to serve this classic dessert. You’ll also want to have sliced bananas and Nilla wafers on hand to create an elegant presentation.

4 large ripe bananas, sliced

You’ll need four large, ripe bananas for this recipe. Slicing the bananas is a crucial step to bring out their natural sweetness and creamy texture.

To get the best results, select bananas that are slightly green or have some brown spots on them. This indicates that they’re past their prime and will yield a sweeter flavor in your banana pudding.

For slicing, you can use a sharp knife or a mandoline to achieve even and thin slices. Cut the bananas at an angle, starting from one end and working your way down to the other. This will give you longer, more delicate pieces of banana that will cook evenly and provide a nice texture contrast in the finished pudding.

It’s essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for this recipe, so choose ripe bananas that have some visible brown spots or slight softness on the skin. Avoid using very green or rock-hard bananas, as they may not yield the desired sweetness and flavor.

If you’re planning to make a large batch of banana pudding, consider slicing multiple batches of bananas in advance to save time during preparation. Simply store sliced bananas in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pudding.

1 cup sugar

To make this scrumptious banana pudding recipe, you will need a few essential ingredients and some basic cooking tools. Let’s start with the dry ingredients.

The first ingredient on our list is 1 cup of sugar. This will provide the perfect balance of sweetness to our creamy banana pudding. Make sure to use granulated white sugar for this recipe, as it dissolves quickly and evenly in the milk.

Granulated white sugar is a staple ingredient in most baking recipes, and it’s essential for bringing out the natural flavors of your ingredients without adding any unwanted flavor profiles. You can find sugar in most supermarkets or grocery stores, usually located in the baking aisle.

2 tablespoons cornstarch

To make this delicious banana pudding recipe, you’ll need to have the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients:

2 large ripe _bananas_ for slicing

1 cup of granulated _sugar_

2 tablespoons of all-purpose _flour_

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon of salt

2 large egg yolks

1 cup of milk, divided into 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup

2 tablespoons of unsalted _butter_

2 tablespoons of cornstarch

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Cookie crumbs or wafers for garnish (optional)

Tools:

A medium-sized saucepan for cooking the pudding mixture

A hand whisk for mixing and beating eggs and sugar

A wooden spoon for stirring the pudding mixture

A 9×13 inch baking dish or a large trifle bowl for assembling the banana pudding

2 cups milk

To make the most delicious banana pudding, you’ll need some essential ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll need 2 cups of milk. Whole milk or a non-dairy alternative such as almond or soy milk work equally well in this recipe.

For a rich and creamy texture, you’ll also need to have 1/4 cup of sugar at your disposal. This will help balance out the flavors in the pudding and prevent it from becoming too sweet.

A pinch of salt is also necessary to bring out the full flavor of the other ingredients. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of fine-grained sea salt for this recipe.

Now, let’s talk about the most crucial ingredient: ripe bananas! You’ll need 3 large ones for this banana pudding recipe. Slice them into coins or chunks to add natural sweetness and creamy texture to your dessert.

In addition to milk, sugar, salt, and bananas, you’ll also need some cornstarch as a thickening agent. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the sugar in a separate bowl until well combined. This will help thicken up the pudding without adding any artificial flavorings or preservatives.

Finally, to give your banana pudding an extra layer of flavor and texture, you’ll need some vanilla extract. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the mixture for that authentic taste and aroma.

1/4 teaspoon salt

To make this delicious banana pudding recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients. Let’s start with the pantry staples.

The first item on our list is 1/4 teaspoon salt. Now, you might be thinking, “Salt in banana pudding? Isn’t that odd?” But trust us, it brings out the sweetness of the bananas and adds depth to the flavor. You can use either kosher or table salt for this recipe.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

To make this classic dessert, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, which will add depth and warmth to your banana pudding.

This ingredient may seem small, but it plays a crucial role in bringing together the flavors of your banana pudding. The high-quality vanilla extract will help to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and the ripeness of the bananas, creating a smooth and creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

When selecting a vanilla extract for your banana pudding recipe, look for one that’s pure and free of artificial additives or flavorings. This will ensure that your pudding has a rich and authentic taste that’s reminiscent of homemade desserts from years gone by.

You can find high-quality vanilla extract at most local grocery stores or online through specialty food retailers. Some popular brands include Madagascar Vanilla Extract, Tahitian Vanilla Extract, or Indian Vanilla Extract.

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

To make this scrumptious banana pudding recipe, you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand:

For the Pudding:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Nilla Wafers and Banana Slices:

• Nilla wafers (about 20-24 wafers)
• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced

Optional:

• Melted chocolate chips or caramel sauce for drizzling
• Fresh whipped cream and chopped nuts for garnish

1 cup Nilla wafers, crushed

To make a delicious Banana Pudding, you’ll need some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll require:

• 1 cup Nilla wafers, crushed – These will be the base for our crunchy topping.

You’ll also need:

1. 4 large ripe bananas – Sliced or diced, these will add natural sweetness and creamy texture to your pudding.
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar – This will help balance the flavors in your banana pudding.
3. 3 tablespoons cornstarch – This is a key ingredient that helps thicken our pudding.
4. 1/4 teaspoon salt – Believe it or not, a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of this dessert.
5. 2 large egg yolks – Whisked and beaten, these will add richness to your banana pudding.
6. 1 cup heavy cream – This is the base for our creamy pudding. You can use half-and-half or milk if you prefer a lighter version.
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas and wafers.

You may also want to have some additional ingredients on hand:

• Milk, for serving (optional)
• Nilla wafers, for garnish (you can use the whole cookies or crushed as a topping)
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Remember to have all your ingredients at room temperature before starting. This will help ensure smooth mixing and prevent any lumps in your banana pudding.

You will need to gather the following ingredients to make this delicious banana pudding:

Ripe bananas – 4-5, sliced into rounds

Nilla wafers – 1 package of 12-16 wafers, crushed or whole for garnish

Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons

All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons

Milk – 2 cups

Heavy cream – 1 cup

Egg yolks – 4 large eggs, separated with 1 egg white reserved for whipped topping

Unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons, melted

Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Cinnamon – a pinch or to taste (optional)

Salt – a pinch or to taste (optional)

You will also need some equipment and ingredients for the whipped cream topping:

Heavy cream – 1 cup

Unsalted butter, softened – 2 tablespoons

Powdered sugar – 2-4 tablespoons

Vanilla extract – a few drops (optional)

For the Nilla wafer crust (if desired):

Nilla wafers – 1 package of 12-16 wafers, crushed

Melted butter – 4 tablespoons

Powdered sugar – a pinch (optional)

The Method

Step 1: Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.

In this crucial initial step, we begin to create the foundation for our delicious banana pudding by combining two essential ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan: sugar and cornstarch.

The process starts by adding 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the saucepan. It’s crucial to use the right type of sugar for this recipe, as it will help thicken our pudding later on. Now, sprinkle evenly over the top of the sugar a tablespoon and a half of cornstarch. This powder is vital in creating the thick, creamy texture characteristic of banana pudding.

Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This is an important step as it helps prevent lumps from forming later when we add our liquid ingredients. If you’re using a saucepan, make sure to use a gentle folding motion with your spatula or whisk, ensuring not to scrape the bottom of the pan.

Now that our sugar and cornstarch are evenly mixed together, we can move on to the next step in creating this mouth-watering banana pudding recipe: heating it up over low heat. This is where things get really interesting, as we begin to transform these dry ingredients into a smooth, velvety mixture that will eventually hold our delicious banana slices and milk together.

By taking the time to carefully combine the sugar and cornstarch in this medium saucepan, you’re setting yourself up for success. The attention to detail we’ve shown here is going to pay off big time when our banana pudding is ready – trust me!

Step 2: Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking until smooth.

In Step 2 of The Method for making The Best Banana Pudding Recipe, it’s essential to add milk to the saucepan gradually while continuously whisking until the mixture becomes smooth.

This step requires attention and care, as adding too much milk at once can result in a thin or lumpy pudding. To avoid this issue:

• Hold the milk pitcher close to the saucepan.
• Pour the milk slowly into the saucepan in a steady stream.

As you pour, continuously whisk the mixture using a wire whisk or silicone spatula until smooth and well combined. The key is to incorporate the milk gradually, allowing the pudding to thicken evenly and maintain its desired consistency.

Some tips to keep in mind when whisking:

• Use a gentle whisking motion to avoid introducing too much air into the mixture.
• Pay close attention to the temperature of the mixture – it should be warm but not hot, ideally between 150°F and 170°F (65°C and 77°C).

The smoothness and consistency of the pudding can be achieved through regular whisking. This step is crucial in developing the pudding’s texture and preventing it from becoming too thick or lumpy.

Step 3: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.

The third step in creating the perfect banana pudding is to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil. This process is crucial as it helps to thicken the mixture and gives the pudding its signature creamy texture.

It’s essential to maintain constant stirring throughout this process to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan or forming lumps. This will ensure that the pudding cooks evenly and doesn’t develop any unwanted textures.

As you stir, you may notice that the mixture begins to thicken and come together. This is a good sign that it’s nearing its boiling point. Keep stirring until you see big bubbles rising to the surface of the pan – this indicates that the pudding has reached a boil.

Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help the starches in the cornstarch to fully thicken, giving the pudding its velvety texture.

Throughout this process, be careful not to burn the bottom of the pan or scorch the mixture. Stir frequently and keep a close eye on the heat to prevent any damage to the pudding.

As you near the end of this step, take a moment to appreciate the rich aroma wafting from the pot – it’s a sign that your banana pudding is coming along nicely!

The Final Touches

Slice the bananas and layer them in individual serving cups with the Nilla wafers and pudding mixture.

To give this classic dessert a polished finish, it’s time to add the final touches to your individual serving cups. Begin by carefully slicing the ripe bananas into even rounds. You’ll want to create uniform layers, so be sure to cut them consistently in thickness.

Once you have all the banana slices prepared, it’s time to start building your parfaits. Begin by adding a layer of Nilla wafers to each serving cup. This will provide a crunchy texture and a sweet base for your pudding mixture.

Next, add a layer of the creamy pudding mixture on top of the Nilla wafers. Be gentle when spreading it out to ensure an even layer, making sure not to disturb the wafers beneath.

Now it’s time to add the star of the show: sliced bananas! Place one or two banana rounds on top of the pudding mixture, depending on their size and your personal preference. This will help maintain a consistent texture throughout each serving.

Finish off each parfait by adding another layer of Nilla wafers on top of the banana slices. You can also sprinkle some additional whipped cream or a few extra banana slices for added visual appeal.

Step back and admire your handiwork! The layered arrangement of Nilla wafers, creamy pudding mixture, and fresh banana slices creates a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

As you’re assembling each parfait, remember to keep them cold in the refrigerator until serving time. This will ensure that every component stays fresh and the flavors meld together seamlessly.

With these final touches complete, your individual banana puddings are now ready to be devoured! They make a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration with friends.

Cover with whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.

The final touches of this delightful banana pudding recipe add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.

Covering each serving with a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch. The light, airy texture provides a sweet contrast to the rich, creamy pudding below.

To take your banana pudding to the next level, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg on top of the whipped cream. This warm, aromatic spice complements the sweetness of the bananas and adds depth to the dish.

The key is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh heavy cream and real vanilla extract, to ensure that your whipped cream is smooth and flavorful.

For an extra-special touch, you can also garnish your banana pudding with sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even some chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes and preferences.

Whether you’re serving a crowd at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home with loved ones, this banana pudding is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, add the final touches, and indulge in the sweet, creamy goodness of this classic dessert!