Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
Make Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe in just 4h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pudding Base
Assembly
Whipped Topping (optional but recommended)
Method
Pudding Base
- 1
Prepare egg mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk 4 large egg yolks with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Set aside.
- 2
Heat milk
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Warm until the mixture is hot and small bubbles form at the edge (do not boil), stirring occasionally — about 5–7 minutes.
- 3
- 4
Cook pudding
Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or whisk, until the mixture thickens to a custard consistency and coats the back of the spatula — about 3–5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- 5
Finish and cool
Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour the pudding into a clean bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until completely cool and set.
Whipped Topping (optional but recommended)
- 6
Chill equipment
Place a mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator or freezer for 10–15 minutes to chill (helps heavy cream whip better).
- 7
Whip cream
Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until soft to medium peaks form, about 2–4 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Assembly
- 8
Prepare bananas
Peel the 4 bananas and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If desired, toss slices gently with a few drops of lemon juice to slow browning (optional).
- 9
- 10
Layer pudding
In an 8x8-inch baking dish or a similar serving dish, spread a thin layer (about 1/3 of total) of chilled pudding on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers over the pudding to cover the surface.
- 11
Add banana layer
Place banana slices in a single layer over the wafers, covering as much as possible.
- 12
Repeat layers
Add another 1/3 of the pudding over the bananas and smooth gently. Add a second layer of vanilla wafers, then another layer of banana slices if you have enough. Top with the remaining pudding and smooth the surface.
- 13
Top with whipped cream
Spread the whipped cream over the final pudding layer (or pipe if desired). Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top or crumble 2–3 extra vanilla wafers and scatter them for garnish.
- 14
Chill before serving
Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate at least 2 hours (preferably 4 hours or overnight) so wafers soften and flavors meld. Remove 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Serve chilled.