Southern Banana Pudding
This creamy, classic Southern Banana Pudding is a show-stopping dessert made with homemade vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 252
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Easy Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
5 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 box vanilla wafers, about 11 ounces
5 medium ripe bananas, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 cups whipped topping or freshly whipped cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional for lightly sweetening fresh whipped cream
Instructions
Mix the dry pudding base. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined.
Add the milk. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve.
Temper the eggs. Place the egg yolks in a small bowl and whisk them until smooth. Scoop about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook until thick. Set the saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, whisking often, until the pudding thickens and gentle bubbles appear. The pudding should be smooth, creamy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Finish the pudding. Remove the saucepan from the stove and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until well combined. Let the pudding cool slightly.
Assemble the layers. In a 9×13-inch baking dish or large trifle bowl, arrange a first layer of vanilla wafers followed by a layer of banana slices. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of pudding followed by a top layer of whipped topping.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
Chill the pudding for 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
This pudding can be made in advance to free up time while hosting.
For a fresh touch, substitute store-bought whipped topping with homemade whipped cream.
Find it online: https://viralchickenrecipes.com/southern-banana-pudding-recipe/