Banana Pudding Recipe
Make Banana Pudding Recipe in just 5h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Custard
Bananas & Layers
Whipped Topping
Optional Garnish
Method
Custard
- 1
- 2
Mix sugar, cornstarch, and yolks
In a heatproof bowl, whisk 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until combined. Whisk in 4 large egg yolks until smooth and slightly paler.
- 3
- 4
Cook until thickened
Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or whisk, scraping the bottom, until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon (about 5–8 minutes). Do not let it boil vigorously; small simmering is fine.
- 5
Finish custard
Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the butter melts and the custard is glossy. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Transfer the custard to a clean bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill until cool, at least 1 hour.
Bananas & Layers
- 6
Prepare bananas
Peel 8 ripe bananas and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. To prevent browning while assembling, place slices in a single layer on a plate and squeeze a little lemon juice if desired (optional).
- 7
Layer pudding
In a 9x13-inch baking dish or large serving pan suitable for bulk sides, spread a thin layer (about 1 cup) of chilled custard on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers to cover the custard. Top the wafers with about one-third of the banana slices, then spread about one-third of the remaining custard over the bananas. Repeat: another layer of wafers, one-third of bananas, one-third custard. Finish with a final layer of wafers if desired and spread the remaining custard smoothly over the top so bananas are covered.
- 8
Chill to set
Cover the assembled dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the wafers soften and flavors meld. For transport, keep chilled.
Whipped Topping
- 9
Make whipped cream
Just before serving, chill a mixing bowl and whisk or beaters. Pour 2 cups cold heavy cream into the bowl, add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until soft to medium peaks form. Do not overbeat.
- 10
Top pudding
Remove the banana pudding from the refrigerator and spread the whipped cream evenly over the top layer of custard. Smooth with a spatula or create decorative swirls.
- 11
Garnish
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon crumbled vanilla wafers or toasted chopped pecans over the whipped topping. Optionally place a few fresh banana slices on top for presentation. Serve chilled.