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Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is a nostalgic, rich, and creamy dessert combining layers of ripe bananas, smooth vanilla custard or pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers. This classic treat features perfectly balanced sweetness and texture, making it a beloved favorite for family gatherings or a comforting homemade indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 34 ripe but firm bananas

Base

  • 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding powder or homemade vanilla custard (made with egg yolks, sugar, milk, and vanilla)
  • 2 cups milk (for pudding or custard preparation)
  • 23 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust based on sweetness preference and banana ripeness)
  • 3 large egg yolks (optional, for homemade custard)

Crunchy Layer

  • About 4550 vanilla wafers

Topping

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups freshly whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pudding: Start by preparing a smooth vanilla pudding or custard base, either by cooking a mix from scratch using egg yolks, sugar, milk, and vanilla or by whisking instant vanilla pudding powder with cold milk until it thickens.
  2. Slice the Bananas: Peel and slice ripe bananas into even rounds to ensure each layer delivers consistent flavor and texture throughout the dessert.
  3. Assemble the Layers: In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and a generous scoop of pudding, repeating until the dish is full and ends with a pudding layer on top.
  4. Top with Whipped Cream: Spread a smooth layer of freshly whipped cream or store-bought topping over the final pudding layer to add lightness and prevent the pudding from drying out in the fridge.
  5. Chill and Serve: Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing wafers to soften and flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Choose firm bananas to hold their shape better during layering and chilling.
  • Distribute bananas evenly to avoid mushy or dry spots with balanced sweetness.
  • Use fresh whipped cream for the best flavor and texture rather than canned toppings.
  • Chill the pudding overnight for ideal flavor melding and wafer softening.
  • Stir pudding gently to keep it creamy and avoid incorporating air bubbles.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, old fashioned banana pudding, classic dessert, vanilla custard, layered pudding dessert, nostalgic dessert, easy banana pudding