The Best Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe With Pudding

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade banana pudding is a dreamy dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to love. With its creamy layers and fresh banana slices, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Simple ingredients – Uses everyday pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime.
No-bake convenience – Just layer and chill, no oven required for this fuss-free treat.
Comfort in every bite – The perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and nostalgic flavors.

Recipe

Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert that combines creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers for a delightful treat. This homemade version is simple to make and perfect for gatherings or family desserts.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups whole milk

3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 ripe bananas, sliced

1 (12-ounce) box vanilla wafers

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add the milk, stirring until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil (about 10 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Gradually whisk about 1 cup of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes:

For best results, use ripe but firm bananas. The pudding sets as it chills.

Equipment:

Medium saucepan, whisk, serving dish

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Cuisine:

Southern

Serving:

6–8 servings

Nutrition

This banana pudding recipe provides a balanced mix of nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving based on standard ingredients.

Nutrient | Amount

— | —

Calories | 320

Total Fat | 12g

Saturated Fat | 7g

Cholesterol | 45mg

Sodium | 180mg

Carbohydrates | 48g

Fiber | 2g

Sugars | 35g

Protein | 5g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my banana pudding with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor. Adding crunchy cookies, such as shortbread or gingersnaps, gives it a fun texture contrast. These simple additions make the dessert feel even more special.

Fresh Fruit Pairings

When I’m serving banana pudding, I love to add fresh fruit for a burst of flavor and color. Sliced strawberries bring a sweet tanginess that pairs perfectly with the creamy pudding, and blueberries add a pop of juiciness. I often toss in some kiwi slices for a tropical twist, or sprinkle a handful of raspberries for a touch of tartness. Pineapple chunks are another favorite—they’re invigorating and balance the richness. Sometimes, I’ll even add a few mandarin orange segments for a citrusy kick. Fresh fruit not only brightens the dish but also makes it feel extra special. It’s a simple upgrade you’ll love!

While fresh fruit adds a vibrant touch to banana pudding, let’s not forget the irresistible appeal of a crunchy cookie layer. I love using classic vanilla wafers—they soften just enough but still give that satisfying bite. For a twist, try ginger snaps or shortbread cookies; their spice or buttery richness pairs perfectly with the creamy pudding. If you’re feeling adventurous, crushed graham crackers add a hint of honey sweetness. Just layer them between the bananas and pudding, and watch how they transform each spoonful. Trust me, that crunch makes all the difference!