What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love this homemade banana pudding because it’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh banana flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself.
- Easy to make—no fancy techniques, just simple steps for a foolproof dessert.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor—sweet, creamy, and nostalgic, with layers of vanilla wafers and ripe bananas.
- Versatile—serve it chilled for a revitalizing treat or warm for a cozy, comforting twist.
Recipe
Homemade banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that combines creamy custard, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers for a comforting treat. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a decadent pudding that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Add egg yolks and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- In a baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes:
For a creamier texture, use homemade custard instead of instant pudding mix. Make sure bananas are ripe but not overly soft for the best flavor.
Equipment:
Medium saucepan, whisk, baking dish, refrigerator
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Cuisine:
Southern
Serving:
8 servings
Nutrition
This banana pudding recipe offers a balance of flavors and nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 35 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade banana pudding with a fresh fruit medley for a burst of color and natural sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light, creamy finish that complements the pudding perfectly. These simple sides elevate the dessert, making it feel extra special without much effort.
Fresh Fruit Medley
Pairing a fresh fruit medley with banana pudding is a surefire way to balance its creamy sweetness with bright, juicy flavors. I love tossing together strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for a colorful mix, but you can’t go wrong with grapes, pineapple, or mango either. The natural tartness of the fruit cuts through the pudding’s richness, making each bite feel invigorating. Sometimes, I’ll add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the medley for an extra zing. It’s simple, quick, and feels like a treat all on its own. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins!
Whipped Cream Garnish
Though whipped cream might seem like a small detail, it’s the finishing touch that makes banana pudding feel extra special. I love how a dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds lightness to each bite, balancing the creamy pudding and sweet bananas perfectly. I recommend making your own with heavy cream, a bit of sugar, and a splash of vanilla—it’s so easy and tastes way better than store-bought. If you’re short on time, though, store-bought works just fine. Either way, don’t skip it! It’s like putting a cherry on top, but with cream. Trust me, it’s worth it.
