Banana Pudding Recipe

This banana pudding recipe is perfect for any easy dessert, potluck dish, or even a school lunch. It’s creamy and sweet with a hint of vanilla.

Oh, how I love a good dessert. You know, something besides cake or ice cream – or even cookies. So sometimes I break out grandma’s old recipe box and find something I haven’t had since I was a kid.

I was looking for something that brought back some memories and I came across this banana pudding. Grandma and Great-Grandma used to make this when we’d come over for supper and it was the highlight of the evening.

Now, I know that banana pudding is traditionally a southern dessert and the majority of my family is from either the northwest or northeast – but this recipe transcends geography. I know that it has been in my family for generations and for good reason – it is SCRUMPTIOUS!

I love recipes like this that are no-bake to keep things simple. Perfect for these warmer evenings when fall hasn’t quite arrived just yet and you still want something on the cooler side.

Check it out – I know it will become a family favorite for you too!

Banana pudding

Here are some commonly asked questions

Where did banana pudding originate?

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s simple to make and can be assembled ahead of time. But even though it originated in the south, it has become a favorite across the nation, and rightly so. It is so rich, creamy, and delicious! No wonder everyone loves it.

Can I use whipped cream instead of making meringue?

You bet – you can use homemade whipped cream, canned whipped cream, or whipped topping if you prefer. But the meringue is AMAZING – I highly recommend it.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes – if you have a large enough pan – you can double this recipe. If you plan on making this for a potluck – then doubling is highly recommended.

homemade banana pudding

How to keep bananas from browning?

If you enjoy bananas frequently, then you know how quickly they can turn brown. That isn’t very appealing when serving this dessert. Here are a couple of ways to keep those bananas from browning too quickly. If you plan on making it ahead of time and not serving this recipe right away – try these things.

• Choose bananas that are just ripe – but lean more on the green side.
• Keep them in an airtight container.
• Rinse the sliced bananas in club soda.
• Spritz the sliced bananas with lemon juice.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Actually, that works quite well. First – the frozen bananas last a bit longer than fresh bananas, giving you more time between making the pudding and serving it. But frozen ones also help to keep the pudding extra cold. We love adding frozen bananas to our pudding!

easy banana pudding

Ingredients for Banana Pudding

Pudding

• milk
• heavy cream
• egg yolks – save the whites for the meringue below
• granulated sugar
• cornstarch
• vanilla extract

Meringue

• egg whites
• granulated sugar
• vanilla extract

Assemble

• Nilla Wafers
• bananas sliced

banana pudding from scratch

How to make Banana Pudding

Vanilla Pudding

1. Add the milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch to a large saucepan set over medium-high heat.
2. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon– about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and cover the pudding with plastic wrap. Transfer it to the fridge until chilled– about 1 hour. (Make sure the plastic wrap is laying directly on the pudding – touching it. This helps prevent a skin from forming on the top of the pudding as it chills.)

Meringue

1. Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. (or you can use a double-boiler)
2. Place the egg whites and granulated sugar in the bowl and whisk constantly until all of the sugar has dissolved– about 2 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and mix on high speed until stiff peaks form– about 8 minutes.
4. Add the vanilla extract and mix just until combined. Set aside until ready to use.

Assemble

1. Cover the bottom of your serving dish with Nilla Wafers (you can either do one big serving dish or individual cups– up to you).
2. Cover with a layer of pudding followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat until all components are completely used, making sure the last layer is pudding.
3. Spread or pipe the meringue evenly over the custard layer. Toast the top of the meringue with a kitchen torch until golden brown– about 10 seconds. (torching is optional)
4. Serve immediately or store the pudding in the fridge until ready to enjoy– up to four hours in advance.
5. You can assemble the pudding up to 24 hours in advance– assemble through step 2 and then make and toast the meringue right before you plan to serve it! The meringue tends to become runny when stored in the fridge overnight so it’s best to make it right before you serve it.

best banana pudding recipe

• granulated sugar
• cornstarch
• vanilla extract
• Nilla Wafers
• saucepan
• whisk
• plastic wrap
• double-boiler

If you love this Easy Banana Pudding recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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