Banana Pudding Vanilla Wafers (Printable Version)

Layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and crisp wafers topped with fluffy whipped cream for a classic dessert.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pudding

01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Assembly

08 - 1 box vanilla wafers (about 7 ounces)
09 - 4 ripe bananas, sliced

→ Whipped Cream

10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Whisk whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan until smooth.
02 - Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Lightly beat egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to slowly raise the temperature.
04 - Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding is thick and creamy.
05 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the pudding is fully smooth.
06 - Let pudding cool slightly, covering directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
07 - In a 2-quart trifle dish or glass bowl, create layers starting with vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices and warm pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of pudding.
08 - Cover assembled pudding and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
09 - In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
10 - Just before serving, spread or pipe whipped cream over the pudding. Garnish with extra banana slices or crushed wafers as desired. Serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday pantry ingredients you probably already have
  • No baking required keeps your kitchen cool
  • Rich real vanilla flavor and perfect banana layers
  • Easy to double for parties or gatherings
  • Great make-ahead dessert tastes even better chilled overnight
02 -
  • Naturally vegetarian and uses no artificial flavors
  • Bananas provide potassium and your pudding will be high in calcium
  • Holds beautifully for parties as long as it stays chilled
03 -
  • Always use ripe but not overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture
  • Do not skip the direct plastic wrap on the pudding surface as it cools to prevent a thick skin
  • Let the dessert chill for at least two hours but overnight is even better for melding flavors
  • A pinch of salt in both pudding and whipped cream really makes the flavors pop
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