Homemade Banana Pudding

Instructions:

1. Make the Pudding:

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together in a separate bowl until smooth. Once the milk mixture is hot, slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm liquid into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling). Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, continuing to whisk.

Cook the pudding over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

2. Cool the Pudding:

Transfer the pudding to a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let the pudding cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also place it in the refrigerator to cool faster.

3. Assemble the Banana Pudding:

In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by layering vanilla wafers on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of banana slices on top of the wafers, then spoon a generous layer of the cooled pudding mixture over the bananas.

Repeat the layers, alternating between the vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding, until all the ingredients are used. Make sure to end with a layer of pudding on top.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream:

In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top layer of pudding, or spoon it into peaks for a decorative touch.

5. Chill the Banana Pudding:

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the vanilla wafers time to soften, creating the perfect texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once chilled, your homemade banana pudding is ready to serve! Spoon generous portions into bowls and enjoy the creamy, dreamy layers of pudding, bananas, and whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks creates a luxuriously creamy pudding that tastes far better than anything you can buy from a box.
• Customizable: This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. You can add extra layers of fruit (like strawberries or berries) for a twist, or even drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce between the layers for added flavor.
• Classic Comfort: Banana pudding is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, barbecues, potlucks, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen, making this dessert both accessible and affordable.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding:

• Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe but not overly soft. Overripe bananas can turn mushy too quickly, and you want the bananas to retain some structure for the layers.
• Layering: You can assemble the banana pudding a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid before refrigerating.
• Don’t Skip the Whipped Cream: The homemade whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich pudding. It also makes the dessert look extra indulgent and pretty!
• Gently Fold in the Whipped Cream: For a light, fluffy topping, fold the whipped cream gently into the pudding or spoon it on top. This helps maintain the airy texture.
• Add More Flavor: For a subtle twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding mixture. You can also experiment with other flavorings like a splash of rum or bourbon for a more adult version.

Variations to Try:

• Chocolate Banana Pudding: For a chocolatey spin on this classic dessert, you can stir in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the pudding base before cooking. This will give the pudding a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas and wafers.
• Banana Pudding Parfaits: Instead of making a large trifle, layer the banana pudding in individual glasses or jars for a fun and portable dessert option.
• Vegan Banana Pudding: To make this dessert vegan, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the dairy and coconut whipped cream instead of the regular whipped cream. You can also use a flaxseed or chia egg replacement in place of the egg yolks.

Conclusion:

Homemade banana pudding is a comforting and satisfying dessert that brings people together and never fails to impress. With its layers of creamy, velvety pudding, fresh bananas, and light whipped cream topping, this classic dessert will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a sweet treat by yourself, banana pudding is a dessert that will always bring smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love the rich, homemade taste that far exceeds store-bought versions!