Get ready to experience a dessert that will make your taste buds sing louder than Patti LaBelle herself! This iconic banana pudding isn't just a recipe – it's a soul-satisfying journey through creamy, dreamy Southern comfort that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine layers of velvety vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers coming together in a symphony of flavor that's so irresistible, you'll want to keep the entire recipe a delicious secret!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by gathering all listed items and measuring them precisely.
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt, whisking together to blend dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Gradually pour whole milk into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Place saucepan over medium heat, cooking and stirring continuously until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Separate egg yolks from whites, carefully tempering egg yolks by slowly adding a small amount of hot milk mixture while whisking to prevent curdling.
- Pour tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan, continuing to cook and stir until pudding becomes very thick and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove pudding from heat and stir in vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Allow pudding to cool slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming on top.
- In a serving dish, create layers starting with vanilla wafers as the base, followed by sliced bananas, then pour warm pudding over the layers.
- Repeat layering process, ensuring even distribution of wafers, bananas, and pudding.
- Refrigerate pudding for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set completely.
- Before serving, top with freshly whipped cream and garnish with additional vanilla wafers if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this classic Southern dessert.
Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe bananas with just a few brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Temper your egg yolks slowly to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky pudding texture.
- Stir the pudding constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve the ideal thickness.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before layering to prevent soggy wafers.
- For best results, refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Use fresh whipped cream just before serving to maintain its light, airy texture.
- For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
