Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

Classic banana pudding is a combination of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla Wafer cookies. This homemade banana pudding recipe is the best!

Banana pudding is a dessert recipe I’ve been enjoying since I was a kid. It really does not get much more easy or satisfying than combining pudding with cookies and sliced banana. What sets this banana pudding recipe apart is the homemade vanilla pudding. YUM!

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BANANA PUDDING RECIPE

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This Classic Banana Pudding Recipe isn’t rocket science. In fact, I’ve been debating for months whether I should even put it on my blog. Can you even call dumping three ingredients into a dish a recipe?
I mostly just wanted to share how I make banana pudding. I’ve seen countless recipes that use cool whip, sweetened condensed milk, and/or instant pudding mix. My classic easy Southern banana pudding recipe avoids all that. My homemade vanilla pudding is so darn delcious, it takes this banana pudding to the next level!

How to make banana pudding:

Banana pudding is simply made by layering freshly sliced bananas, Nilla Wafer cookies, and vanilla pudding.

To make banana pudding as a casserole, simply layer all of these ingredients in a large casserole dish. I recommend you serve this easy banana pudding dessert right away. That way you will keep the cookies crisp, will prevent a skin from forming on the pudding, and you will prevent the bananas from browning.

You can, of course, prepare this Nilla Wafer banana pudding recipe ahead of time. If you do this, just be sure the top layer is completely Nilla Wafers. They will get soggy, but they will prevent your pudding and bananas from getting gross.

My favorite way, however, is to layer all of the ingredients in a small glass and enjoy an individual serving whenever the craving strikes!

Other favorite banana recipes:

• Banana Cream Pie
• Banana Bread Brownies
• Banana Upside Down Cake
• Banana Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
• Sour Cream Banana Nut Bread

5 from 2 votes

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Classic Banana Pudding

Classic banana pudding is a combination of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla Wafer cookies. This homemade banana pudding recipe is the best!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword banana pudding

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 335 kcal

Author Krissy Allori

Ingredients

• 4 cups homemade vanilla pudding see full recipe below
• 4 cups vanilla wafer cookies
• 3 bananas ripe, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds

Instructions

1. In a large casserole dish, layer vanilla pudding with cookies and banana slices. This can be done with warm or cold pudding. If served immediately, cookies will still have crunch. If not served immediately, ensure top layer is pudding and cover directly with plastic wrap to avoid having a pudding skin developed.

Recipe Notes

Recipe time is based on banana pudding recipe assembly. Does not include time it takes to make homemade vanilla pudding.

Nutrition Facts

Classic Banana Pudding

Amount Per Serving

Calories 335 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 9g 14%

Saturated Fat 3g 15%

Sodium 291mg 12%

Potassium 204mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 60g 20%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 31g

Protein 2g 4%

Vitamin A 0.6%

Vitamin C 4.7%

Calcium 0.2%

Iron 0.6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

5 from 2 votes

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Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Homemade Vanilla Pudding is an easy dessert recipe made from scratch. Old fashioned vanilla pudding can be enjoyed hot or cold!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword pudding, vanilla pudding

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 265 kcal

Author Krissy Allori

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp corn starch
• 3 cups half and half
• 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise
• 4 egg yolks lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp butter unsalted
• 1/4 tsp sea salt omit if using salted butter

Instructions

1. Combine sugar and cornstarch in medium sauce pan. Stir in half and half. Scrape vanilla bean and add scrapings plus pod to mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture is thick and bubbly and starts to stick to the bottom. This should take about 5-10 minutes.

2. Add egg yolks to medium sized bowl. Slowly add one ladle of hot cream mixture to egg yolks while whisking rapidly. Continue to ladle hot mixture into egg yolks until at least one cup of hot mixture has been added. Then, pour warm egg yolk mixture into hot half and half mixture on the stove, whisking constantly.

3. Allow mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Continue to stir and allow to cook until thickened, about 2-5 more minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in butter.

5. Transfer pudding to a glass container and cover with plastic wrap. To avoid having a skin form, place plastic wrap right on top of pudding surface. Serve warm or cold!

Recipe Notes

Makes about 4 cups. Serving size based on 1/2 cup.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Amount Per Serving

Calories 265 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14g 22%

Saturated Fat 8g 40%

Cholesterol 135mg 45%

Sodium 127mg 5%

Potassium 127mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 31g 10%

Sugars 25g

Protein 4g 8%

Vitamin A 9.9%

Vitamin C 1%

Calcium 10.7%

Iron 1.7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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