The Ultimate Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe

Banana pudding—you either love it or you haven’t had the right one yet! This classic dessert is a delightful medley of creamy textures, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Picture this: you take a spoonful, and the smooth, velvety pudding dances over your taste buds while the charming crunch from the wafers adds that perfect contrast. It’s like a creamy hug in a bowl! And here’s a fun fact: banana pudding has been a staple in American households for well over a century. Remember that one family gathering where this delightful dish stole the show? It’s not just a recipe; it’s a beloved tradition! If you enjoyed our Popular Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, you’ll definitely want to dive into this equally simple yet scrumptious dessert. Let’s get started on creating your very own Old Fashioned Banana Pudding that will surely impress everyone around your dinner table!

What is Old Fashioned Banana Pudding?

So, what exactly is “Old Fashioned Banana Pudding”? It’s a delightful dessert that combines layers of creaminess, ripe bananas, and the satisfying crunch of vanilla wafers. But why is it ‘old-fashioned’? Is it because it’s been around longer than your grandma’s favorite rocking chair? Or because it’s served at every family gathering? Either way, this dish has stood the test of time. Let’s remember, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this pudding just might get you there! If you’re already drooling, why wait? Grab your ingredients and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

You’ll love this Old Fashioned Banana Pudding for its multi-dimensional flavor profile and nostalgia-inducing appeal. First off, it’s incredibly satisfying as a main dish. Who wouldn’t want to end their meal on a sweet note? Secondly, by creating this delicious treat at home, you not only save money but also control the ingredients, making it family-friendly and delightful. Finally, the toppings—oh, the toppings! Whether you prefer a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or freshly whipped cream, each bite bursts with flavor. Think of it as a cousin to the creaminess of panna cotta or the heartiness of a cheesecake, but with a familiar twist. So why not gather your family and craft this delightful dish together?

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Quick Overview

Making Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is as delightful as eating it! This dish is not only satisfying because of its creamy textures but also celebrates the natural sweetness of bananas. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, but it’s the chilling time that makes it extra special, allowing all those flavors to marry beautifully. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Key Ingredients for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Old Fashioned Banana Pudding:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks (lightly beaten)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 ripe bananas (sliced)
• 1 box of vanilla wafers
• Whipped cream (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and salt over medium heat. Gradually add in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Incorporate the Egg Yolks: Once thickened, take about 1 cup of the warm pudding mixture and gradually whisk it into the beaten egg yolks to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Then slowly add the egg mixture back into the pudding base. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, always stirring.
3. Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until all ingredients are well combined. Let it cool slightly.
4. Layer the Pudding: In a large serving dish or individual cups, begin layering—start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by slices of bananas, and then a generous layer of pudding. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
5. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, top with whipped cream for that extra indulgence, and sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers for added crunch.

Top Tips for Perfecting Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

• Substitutions: If you want to make this recipe even more family-friendly, consider using almond milk or oat milk if someone has dietary restrictions.
• Timing: Ensure you don’t rush the chilling process—it’s critical for the pudding to thicken properly.
• Avoiding Mistakes: Stir continuously while cooking the pudding base to prevent burning or clumping. Keep your bananas protected from browning by layering them just before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to minimize the chance of browning on the bananas. While this dish is best served chilled, if you want to enjoy it warm, simply scoop the pudding into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 10-15 seconds. Just be cautious, as you don’t want to reheat it for too long and alter the texture.

With this recipe for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re creating a cherished memory that’s going to bring your loved ones together around the table. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring this scrumptious dessert to life!

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

A classic dessert featuring layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, perfect for any family gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pudding Base

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Layering Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• Whipped cream for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and salt over medium heat.
2. Gradually add in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Once thickened, take about 1 cup of the warm pudding mixture and gradually whisk it into the beaten egg yolks to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
4. Then slowly add the egg mixture back into the pudding base. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, always stirring.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until all ingredients are well combined. Let it cool slightly.

Layering

1. In a large serving dish or individual cups, begin layering—start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by slices of bananas, and then a generous layer of pudding.
2. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.

Chilling and Serving

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Before serving, top with whipped cream for that extra indulgence, and sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers for added crunch.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to minimize browning. This dish is best served chilled but can be warmed in a microwave if desired, for about 10-15 seconds.