Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe for Your Sweet Cravings

Banana pudding, a timeless dessert adored for its velvety vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers, crowned with luscious whipped cream or meringue, is a delightful treat suitable for all occasions.

Ingredients for Homemade Banana Pudding

To recreate this delectable dessert at home, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of whole milk
• 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 5 oz of instant vanilla pudding mix (1 package)
• 3 cups of heavy cream, divided
• 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, divided
• 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract, divided
• 1 box of vanilla wafer cookies (16 oz.)
• 5 ripe bananas, sliced into coins
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Instructions for Making Banana Pudding

Follow these simple steps to prepare your homemade banana pudding:

Creating the Pudding Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk, whisking until smooth.
2. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix, ensuring there are no lumps, either by hand or with an electric mixer.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for approximately 5 minutes until set.

Whipping the Cream:

1. In another bowl, whip 3 cups of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Combining Pudding and Whipped Cream:

1. Retrieve the pudding mixture from the refrigerator.
2. Carefully incorporate the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully blended.

Layering Your Banana Pudding:

1. Begin by arranging a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of your trifle dish or a large bowl.
2. Spread a quarter of the pudding mixture over the cookies, ensuring even distribution.
3. Add another layer of cookies, arranging some along the edge of the dish.
4. Top the cookies with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by another quarter of the pudding mixture.
5. Repeat the layering process until the dish is filled, alternating banana slices with the cookies along the edges.

Chilling Your Banana Pudding:

1. Chill the assembled pudding in the refrigerator for at least three hours.

Preparing the Topping:

1. Whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Serving Your Banana Pudding:

1. Spoon the whipped cream topping over the chilled pudding.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cookies over the whipped cream.
3. Serve and relish in the delightful flavors!

Additional Notes:

• For an alternative meringue topping, whip 3 egg whites with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form, spread over the pudding, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
• The pudding can be prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Indulge in the creamy goodness of homemade banana pudding, a dessert that promises to satisfy your sweet cravings and leave your taste buds longing for more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Banana Pudding

1. Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk in this banana pudding recipe?

• While you can technically use skim milk, the richness of whole milk contributes to the creamy texture of the pudding. Using skim milk may result in a less indulgent final product.

1. How long does it take for the pudding mixture to set in the refrigerator?

• It typically takes about 5 minutes for the pudding mixture to set in the refrigerator. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate it for a longer duration.

1. Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare banana pudding a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Simply cover the assembled pudding and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

1. What can I use as a substitute for vanilla wafer cookies?

• If you don’t have vanilla wafer cookies on hand, you can substitute them with other types of cookies such as shortbread or graham crackers. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dessert.

1. How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown in the pudding?

• To prevent the bananas from browning, you can toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water before layering them in the pudding. This will help preserve their color and freshness.

1. Can I freeze banana pudding?

• Although banana pudding can be frozen, its texture might alter upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for optimal taste and consistency.