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The Best Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 129 reviews

This homemade banana pudding recipe blends creamy vanilla bean pudding with layers of Nilla wafers and fresh banana slices, topped with a luscious cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture. It’s a classic Southern dessert perfect for gatherings, offering a rich, smooth texture and a hint of bourbon for added depth, chilled to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
  • ¼ cup salted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon banana or banana cream extract

Creamy Topping

  • 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, room temperature
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip, room temperature
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

Assembly

  • 1 (11-ounce) box Nilla wafers
  • 4 medium bananas, sliced into ½-inch thick coins
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and bourbon if using. Heat until steaming and hot but not boiling, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, vanilla bean paste, cornstarch, and sugar until forming a smooth paste.
  3. Temper Egg Yolks: Gradually add a tablespoon of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk bowl, stirring continuously. Repeat this 2-3 times to gently warm the eggs without scrambling.
  4. Combine and Thicken Pudding: Remove the pan from heat, then slowly whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the hot milk mixture. Return pan to medium heat, whisking constantly until pudding thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Finish Pudding: Remove from heat, stir in cubed butter and banana extract until butter completely melts and mixture is smooth. Transfer pudding to airtight container, press plastic wrap directly onto surface to prevent skin formation, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  6. Make Creamy Topping: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla bean paste together until smooth and well combined.
  7. Assemble Banana Pudding: In a trifle bowl or individual serving dishes, layer pudding, Nilla wafers, creamy topping, and banana slices. Repeat layers until dish is filled, ending with creamy topping and crushed wafers on top.
  8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate assembled pudding for at least 1 hour. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For an extra flavor boost, substitute bourbon with rum or omit it entirely for a kid-friendly version.
  • To prevent bananas from browning, toss slices lightly with lemon juice before layering.
  • Ensure pudding is fully chilled and thickened before assembly for best texture.
  • You can prepare pudding base a day ahead to save time.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and Cool Whip to make mixing easier and smoother.

Keywords: banana pudding, homemade banana pudding, southern dessert, creamy banana pudding, Nilla wafers, layered dessert

Find it online: https://famdishes.com/the-best-homemade-banana-pudding-recipe/