Print

Cozy Classic Banana Pudding Recipe with Easy Vanilla Wafers

banana pudding - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, comforting banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers and ripe bananas, featuring a creamy pudding base with a subtle tang from cream cheese. Ready in about 20 minutes and perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium ripe bananas, sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
  • About 45 vanilla wafers (Nilla wafers or any vanilla cookie)
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (or 2%/dairy-free milk like oat or almond)
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour (cornstarch can be substituted for gluten-free)
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice 4 medium ripe bananas into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set aside. Arrange the vanilla wafers near your prep station for easy layering.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup all-purpose flour until combined. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, making sure no lumps remain.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just starts to bubble, about 7-10 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and feel smooth and creamy.
  4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat 3 large egg yolks. Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks to temper them, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Transfer the pudding to a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
  7. In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas, then spread a layer of chilled pudding over the top. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with a pudding layer.
  8. Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
  9. Spoon out generous portions and enjoy. The pudding should be creamy, the bananas tender but fresh, and the wafers softened to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Notes

Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and scorching. Temper egg yolks carefully to avoid scrambling. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother pudding. Press plastic wrap on pudding surface to prevent skin. Chill pudding thoroughly before layering for best texture. Slice bananas just before layering to avoid browning; use lemon juice if prepping early. For dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream cheese. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free cookies instead of vanilla wafers.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla wafers, classic dessert, easy pudding recipe, creamy banana dessert, layered pudding, comfort food

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/cozy-classic-banana-pudding-recipe-with-easy-vanilla-wafers-steps/