Go Back
The Best Easy Homemade Perfect Banana Pudding Recipe

The Best Easy Homemade Perfect Banana Pudding

A classic layered banana pudding made with cooked vanilla custard, vanilla wafers, bananas, and fresh whipped cream. Chill it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the softest, most flavorful layers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Custard
  • 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Table salt
  • 3 cups Whole milk
  • 4 large Large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
Layers
  • 1 box, approximately 11 ounces Vanilla wafer cookies
  • 4-5 bananas Ripe but firm bananas, sliced
Whipped Cream
  • 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Whisk the sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
  2. Cook the milk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and gently bubbling, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Temper the egg yolks by whisking a small amount of the hot milk mixture into them. Pour the warmed yolks back into the saucepan.
  4. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Keep the custard from scorching, and do not allow it to boil vigorously.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you want an especially smooth custard.
  6. Cover the custard surface directly with plastic wrap and cool it until warm rather than hot. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form.
  7. Layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and custard in a trifle bowl or baking dish. Repeat the layers, finishing with custard.
  8. Spread the whipped cream over the top and garnish with wafer crumbs or a few extra cookies. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Use yellow, ripe but firm bananas for the best texture. Chill overnight when possible so the wafers soften without completely disintegrating. Add final banana slices shortly before serving for the brightest color.