How to Make Banana Pudding (From-Scratch) (2024)

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posted by divas can cookon Jul 24, 2022 (updated Dec 7, 2023) 9 comments »

Watch me make this easy banana pudding recipe from start to finish!

My sister was selling these cute lilbanana puddingcups last month in her bakery and I ordered 4 of them. I told her it was for my family but really…they were all for me. There, Shon, I confess!! I’m not proud of it, but I sure do LOVE a goodbanana pudding!!

Normally my go-to recipe is this one that my grandma Barb made often. Since I’m not of fan of Southern-bakedbanana pudding, her recipe is heaven on earth!

It consists ofvanilla pudding mix,cool whip, milk, sour cream, bananas, and vanilla wafers. This was probably the ONLY time I’ve seen my grandmother use packaged anything but thetasteis unbelievable! And thedishgets scraped clean every. single. time.

Grandma Barb’s recipe is similar toPaula Deen’s popularbanana pudding recipe (Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding), only it uses sour cream instead of sweetenedcondensed milkandvanilla wafersinstead of chessman cookies. I prefer my grandma’sbanana puddinghands down though! That sour cream is the ticket!!!

Even though I was content with thatbanana pudding, I still wanted a from-scratch recipe in my stash that didn’t involve instant pudding mixes. My issue is that I DESPISE homemade vanilla pudding made with eggs. I’m not quite sure why, but it just doesn’t work for me and my entire family is the same way. Weird I know.

I tweaked thisbanana pudding recipeI’m about to share with you today and fell in love!!! It’s eggless and so sweet and creamy!

I loved it so much that I threw it right into the cookbook that very same day, per my husband’s and son’s requests!

If you haven’t purchased my cookbook memoir yet head on over and snag your limited copy! It’s chocked full of so many recipes and life stories.

A goodbanana puddingis apotluckdessertfavorite and I’ve made this recipe so many times. It’s always so well-received and this is now my go-to for from-scratchbanana pudding. I’m so excited to share this with you guys!

What I love about thisbanana pudding recipe

1. The simplicity. Check out thatingredientslist! Ahhh just simpleingredientswithout the slight aftertaste ofinstant pudding mix!
2. Creamy, SWEET, smooth pudding. The from-scratchvanilla pudding is so amazing and makes this banana pudding recipe shine! Since it has noeggs, there is no eggytastethat some homemade vanilla puddings can have. Paired with fresh bananas,Nilla wafers,andhomemade whipped cream, it’s fantastic! (Feel free to cut back on the sugar if you don’t like sweet banana puddings)
3. It doubles and triples like a dream! Make a small batch like the recipe, or make enough to feed a crowd with ease!

Banana PuddingIngredients

• granulated sugar: This is used to sweeten the pudding.
• cornstarch: This is used to thicken the pudding.
• Salt-Saltbalances out the sweetness of the dish
• whole milk, warm: The base for the homemade pudding.
• unsaltedbutter: This makes the pudding silky smooth!
• vanilla extract: Now is the time to break out your fancy-schmancyvanilla extract! This will ensure a pure and delicious vanillaflavor to this banana pudding recipe!
• vanilla wafer cookies: You can certainly use your favoritebanana puddingcookies, but I always prefer classicNilla wafers!
• bananas: Forbanana pudding, I like to use bananas that are a bit firm and the peel still yellow with no brown spots. These make for perfect, firm banana slices.
• heavy whipping cream: Be sure to get heavy whipping cream and notheavy cream. This will create a fluffy texture thattastesso much better thanCool Whip.
• powdered sugar: To sweeten up the homemadewhipped topping

How to make thebest Banana Pudding Recipe

1. To make the pudding, in a potwhisktogether sugar, cornstarch, andsalt. Slowly pour in milk while stirring with a rubber spatula until smooth. Turn heat tomediumand cook until steaming, stirring constantly. (Do not boil.) Once pudding has thickened into a pudding-like texture, remove it from heat.Stirinbutterandvanilla extract. Allow pudding to cool completely, while stirring regularly. It will thicken up even more as it cools.
2. In a glass loaf pan,layer18vanilla wafersand top with one sliced banana. Spread half of the cooled pudding onto thelayer of banana slices. Top with another 18vanilla wafersand the last sliced banana. Spread on the remaining pudding.
3. To make thewhipped topping, add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar into a bowl. Mix until the mixture is fluffy andstiff peaks form. Spreadwhipped toppingon top ofthe pudding mixture.
4. Arrange the lastvanilla wafersneatly on top. (I like to crush one and sprinkle the crumbs on top as well.) Refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve cold.

See Also

This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck DessertHow Ripe Should Bananas Be For Banana Pudding? - Tasting TableBanana PuddingHow To Make Rich and Creamy Pudding From Scratch

Tips

• Stir pudding constantly to prevent the bottom from scorching and to keep lumps from forming.
• Use a good brand of vanilla extract. This will be the sole flavoring in the pudding.
• Tossbanana slices for garnishingin a tiny bit oflemon juiceto slow down the browning process. (Not too much or you’ll be able to taste the lemon)
• Serve the same day for the freshest results and perfect texture. (You can however make the pudding the day before and arrange the banana pudding the day you want to serve it)
• I always plate and serve with extra cookies (for crunchiness and fresh banana slices on top)
• This banana pudding recipe should be served cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container in thefridge for up to 2 days.

Faqs

Can I addmeringueto thisbanana pudding recipe? Since thisbanana puddingdoes not need to be baked, the fresh whipped cream topping is best.

Is this acustardpudding? No, this pudding does not haveegg whitesoregg yolks. It’s similar to instant box pudding mix but with a natural vanillaflavor.

Can I useflourinstead of cornstarch to thicken it? Cornstarch works best and doesn’t need to be cooked asflourdoes.

Willheavy creamwork in this recipe? No, in order to create a fluffyCool Whip-like texture you’ll need to use heavy whipping cream.

Can Ibakethisbanana pudding? Thisbanana puddingshould not be baked and is served cold.

Can I add cream cheese to this pudding? I’ve never added cream cheese to this pudding, but that is on the list to try! I love the tartness that the sour cream gives my grandmother’s pudding so I’ll definitely try it and report back.

originally published on Jul 24, 2022 (last updated Dec 7, 2023)

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