Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that brings back the nostalgia of simpler times. With layers of creamy vanilla custard, fresh bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers, this pudding is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or just when you crave a cozy, satisfying treat, this banana pudding recipe will become a beloved favorite in your home. The rich homemade custard is the heart of this dish, and the simplicity of fresh ingredients makes it wholesome and delightful.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for a richer taste)
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 box Vanilla wafers (about 8 oz.)
  • 4 bananas, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk until well-blended.
  2. Add the Milk:
    Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Cook the Custard Further:
    Once the mixture is thick and bubbling, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, ensuring the custard doesn’t burn.
  4. Temper the Eggs:
    Remove the pan from heat. In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot custard to the eggs, whisking continuously. This step is crucial to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  5. Combine and Cook:
    Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the custard. Return to medium heat and cook until it reaches a gentle boil. Stir continuously and cook for another 2 minutes until the custard is thickened.
  6. Flavor the Custard:
    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
  7. Assemble the Pudding:
    In a serving dish or individual cups, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and custard. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of custard on top.
  8. Chill and Serve:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional vanilla wafers or whipped cream before serving, if desired.

Cooking Tips

  • Use ripe but firm bananas: Overripe bananas may become mushy, while firm bananas will maintain their shape and texture.
  • Whisk constantly: This ensures a smooth custard without lumps.
  • Prevent a skin: Stirring the custard as it cools will prevent the formation of a skin on top. If you prefer, you can also press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard while it cools.
  • Layer wisely: For a beautiful presentation, ensure that each layer is even, with the bananas slightly overlapping.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Bananas: A great source of potassium and fiber, bananas help with digestion and heart health.
  • Eggs: High in protein and essential nutrients like vitamins D and B12.
  • Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
  • Moderation: While this dessert is rich and comforting, it is high in sugar, so enjoy in moderation for a balanced diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana pudding is rich, creamy, and filled with layers of texture—from the silky custard to the soft bananas and crisp vanilla wafers. Its comforting, old-fashioned flavor will transport you back to childhood, and it’s perfect for both casual family meals and special occasions. The fact that it’s made from scratch adds a personal touch, making it taste even better.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or meat byproducts.
  • Gluten-Free Option: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and vanilla wafers.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting, layered dessert. The homemade custard is the star, with its creamy texture and delicate sweetness, while the bananas add a fresh, fruity contrast. The vanilla wafers provide crunch and soak up just enough moisture to become soft yet still flavorful. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is the epitome of comfort food. Its creamy, sweet layers make every bite a delight, while the use of fresh bananas and a homemade custard ensures you know exactly what’s going into your dessert. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the rich, nostalgic flavors and the satisfaction that comes from making a dessert from scratch.

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Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 4hrs 20mins

Description

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that brings back the nostalgia of simpler times. With layers of creamy vanilla custard, fresh bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers, this pudding is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or just when you crave a cozy, satisfying treat, this banana pudding recipe will become a beloved favorite in your home. The rich homemade custard is the heart of this dish, and the simplicity of fresh ingredients makes it wholesome and delightful.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for a richer taste)
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 box Vanilla wafers (about 8 oz.)
  • 4 bananas, sliced

Instructions

  • Prepare the Custard:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk until well-blended.
  • Add the Milk:
    Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Cook the Custard Further:
    Once the mixture is thick and bubbling, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, ensuring the custard doesn’t burn.
  • Temper the Eggs:
    Remove the pan from heat. In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot custard to the eggs, whisking continuously. This step is crucial to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  • Combine and Cook:
    Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the custard. Return to medium heat and cook until it reaches a gentle boil. Stir continuously and cook for another 2 minutes until the custard is thickened.
  • Flavor the Custard:
    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Assemble the Pudding:
    In a serving dish or individual cups, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and custard. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of custard on top.
  • Chill and Serve:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional vanilla wafers or whipped cream before serving, if desired.
  • Prep Time: 20mins
  • Cook Time: 4hrs