If you’re looking for a dessert that is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, Banana Pudding is the perfect choice. This classic Southern dessert layers rich vanilla pudding with fresh bananas and crispy vanilla wafers, creating a deliciously sweet treat that everyone will love. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet craving, Banana Pudding will always hit the spot. Here’s how to make this delightful dessert:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 (5.1 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 oz) box of vanilla wafers
- 1/4 cup of crushed vanilla wafers for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it thickens, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices. Then, spoon a generous amount of the vanilla pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spread the whipped cream over the top layer of pudding, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly. Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Banana Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, with its perfect balance of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy wafers. It’s simple to make, yet so satisfying, making it a favorite at any gathering or family meal.