Banana Pudding Southern Dessert (Printable Page)
# What You Need:
→ Pudding
01 -
2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar
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1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 1/2 cups (600 ml) whole milk
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4 large egg yolks
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2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Assembly
08 -
1 box (about 11 oz/310 g) Nilla wafers
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4 medium ripe bananas, sliced
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2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
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3 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 -
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
02 -
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just starts to bubble, about 6–8 minutes.
04 -
Gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper. Pour yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking to combine.
05 -
Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, for 2 more minutes until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
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Transfer pudding to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool to room temperature, or chill for faster assembly.
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In a large trifle dish or 9x13-inch dish, arrange a layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom. Top with a layer of banana slices, then spread 1/3 of the pudding over the bananas.
08 -
Repeat layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding two more times, finishing with pudding on top.
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In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream over the top layer of pudding.
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Garnish with additional banana slices and crushed Nilla wafers, if desired. Chill at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the pudding.
02 -
Make it ahead: Assembled pudding can be refrigerated up to 24 hours; bananas may brown slightly but flavor remains excellent.
03 -
For a lighter version, substitute with reduced-fat milk and light whipped topping.