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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!

Classic Banana Pudding with spoon
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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!

Classic Banana Pudding with vanilla wafers, banana, vanilla pudding

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:

cup of homemade Classic Banana Pudding

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Classic Banana Pudding

Prep10 minutes
Total10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Classic banana pudding is a combination of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla Wafer cookies. This homemade banana pudding recipe is the best!

Ingredients 

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

  • 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.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 291mg, Potassium: 204mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 3.9mg, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me a comment below

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Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Homemade Vanilla Pudding is an easy dessert recipe made from scratch. Old fashioned vanilla pudding can be enjoyed hot or cold!

Ingredients 

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Instructions 

  • Heat cream mixture: Combine sugar and cornstarch in medium saucepan. 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.
    scalded half and half with vanilla bean
  • Temper egg yolks: 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 tempered egg yolk mixture into hot half and half mixture on the stove, whisking constantly.
    tempering egg yolks for pudding recipe
  • Cook pudding: 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. Remove from heat and stir in butter and salt.
    base for vanilla pudding
  • Serve: 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. Vanilla bean pod can remain in pudding mixture until ready to serve. Serve warm or cold!
    hot pudding in bowl

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 135mg, Sodium: 127mg, Potassium: 127mg, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 495IU, Vitamin C: 0.8mg, Calcium: 107mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me a comment below

Hi! Iโ€™m Krissy.

I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make.

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5 from 2 votes

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My kids are just going to love this!!!
    Plus thank you for a homemade pudding recipe, so nice to not have to use a store bought version ๐Ÿ˜€

    1. Hi Larry, I used to but it was causing problems on my site. I need to get another one. Were you on desktop, tablet or mobile?

  2. 5 stars
    I love love LOVE a good banana pudding recipe! The flecks of vanilla in this are driving me crazy – I’m craving a big bowl of this for lunch!