Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Creamy, comforting, and impossibly simple, Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Trifle Dish or 8x8-inch Serving Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
- 2 cups whole milk cold
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks room temperature, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 box vanilla wafers about 11 ounces
- 1 cup whipped cream whipped to soft peaks (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and a medium saucepan. Measure precisely—cornstarch needs to be accurate for the pudding to thicken properly.
- In the saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups cold milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk together until smooth with no lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 5 to 8 minutes. Watch closely to avoid scorching on the bottom.
- While the milk mixture is heating, beat the 3 egg yolks lightly in a small bowl.
- Temper the egg yolks by slowly adding a spoonful or two of the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. This raises the egg temperature gradually and prevents curdling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue to cook for another minute or so until the pudding is smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Taste and adjust vanilla if desired.
- In a trifle dish or 8x8-inch serving dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers, then a layer of banana slices, and spoon a generous layer of warm pudding over the top. Press wafers slightly so they anchor into the pudding.
- Repeat layers—wafers, bananas, pudding—until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture set.
- Before serving, spread whipped cream over the top if using, or sprinkle a few crushed vanilla wafers for garnish. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can become mushy and overly sweet after chilling.