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5.0 from 249 votes

Banana Pudding

This easy, old-fashioned Banana Pudding is made from scratch with layers of homemade vanilla pudding, Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, and whipped cream.  

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Refrigerate
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 9
Calories: 289 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg , at room temperature
  • 2 egg yolks , at room temperature
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons butter , chopped
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 box Nilla wafers
  • 4 large bananas , sliced (use ripe, but not overly ripe bananas)
  • fresh whipped cream , for topping (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add milk and cream to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until well blended.
  3. Spoon a little of the hot milk over the egg mixtures and whisk well. Repeat with another few spoonfuls of the hot milk, to temper the eggs (bring their temperature up without “scrambling” them).
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan and continue to cook over medium low heat (don’t let it boil) for 5-8 minutes until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract and salt.
  6. Pour the pudding through a sieve or fine mesh strainer into a container, to remove any lumps and make it silky smooth.
  7. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top (to prevent a skin from forming on it). Refrigerate for an hour or more, until chilled. Stir well once chilled.
  8. To assemble the banana pudding, use a 9 inch square pan, a large bowl, trifle dish or individual dishes.
  9. Line the bottom of the pan with vanilla wafers. Top with sliced bananas, then 1/2 of the pudding mixture. Repeat with another layer, and end with a final layer of wafers (whole or crushed into pieces).
  10. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place the assembled dessert in the fridge for 4-8 hours.
  11. Top with fresh whipped cream before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Make ahead Instructions: Banana pudding can be made 1-2 days ahead of time.  Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • Freezing Instructions: For best results, freeze only the pudding and assemble the banana pudding once it's thawed.  Allow the homemade pudding to cool completely and store in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and assemble pudding with Nilla wafers, bananas, and whipped cream.

Nutrition Information

Calories 289kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 38g (13%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 100mg (33%) Sodium 218mg (9%) Potassium 327mg (9%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 28g (56%) Vitamin A 582IU (12%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 98mg (10%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 9Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 289

% Daily Value*

Calories 289kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 100mg 33%
Sodium 218mg 9%
Potassium 327mg 7%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 28g 56%
Vitamin A 582IU 12%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 98mg 10%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.