The Best Banana Pudding Ever – Home Chef’s Treasure

This classic banana pudding is rich, creamy, and incredibly delicious. Made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, homemade vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet and comforting treat.

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
4 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter

For the Layers:

4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)

For the Whipped Topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Alternatively, use 1 container of Cool Whip for convenience.)Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pudding

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.

Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot pudding mixture to temper the eggs.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.

Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth.

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding

Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.

Let it chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.

For a richer pudding, replace half the milk with evaporated milk.

Want a shortcut? Use instant vanilla pudding instead of homemade pudding.

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Ever

1. Use Ripe Bananas 🍌

Choose ripe, yellow bananas with a few brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
Avoid overly green bananas (too firm and starchy) or fully brown ones (too mushy).

2. Prevent Bananas from Browning

Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice or pineapple juice to keep them fresh.
Cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface to minimize air exposure.

3. Make It Creamier

For extra richness, replace half the milk with evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk.
Use heavy cream instead of regular milk in the pudding for a silkier texture.

4. Layer for the Best Flavor

Start with a thin layer of pudding at the bottom to prevent wafers from getting soggy too quickly.
Alternate between layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding for the perfect balance of texture and taste.

5. Let It Chill for Maximum Flavor

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better!
This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften just the right amount.

6. Use Homemade Whipped Cream for a Lighter Taste

Instead of Cool Whip, make fresh whipped cream with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Beat until stiff peaks form for the fluffiest topping.

7. Want a Crunchy Twist?

Add crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers on top just before serving for a slight crunch.
You can also use chessmen cookies for a buttery, shortbread-like flavor.

8. Customize with Fun Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate between layers.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds for added texture.
Coconut Banana Pudding: Mix in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

9. Make It Ahead-Friendly

This dessert gets better over time as the wafers absorb the pudding, so it’s perfect for making ahead.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days—but it’s usually gone before then!

10. Serve It Right

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Use a deep spoon to scoop through all the layers for the perfect bite.

With these tips, you’ll have the most flavorful, creamy, and irresistible banana pudding that everyone will love!

Conclusion

This banana pudding is creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert that’s simple to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought banana pudding again!