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Banana Pudding

This Banana Pudding Recipe is a comforting and creamy dessert that brings back cherished memories and is perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pudding Base
  • 3 cups half and half
  • 1 ea vanilla bean or 2 tsp vanilla extract Fresh vanilla bean for maximum flavor
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 5 ea large egg yolks
  • 1 Tbsp butter
Layering Ingredients
  • 1 pkg vanilla wafer cookies (11 oz)
  • 4 medium bananas Use ripe bananas for sweetness
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice To prevent browning of banana slices
Whipped Topping
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pour the half and half into a large saucepan, add the seeds from the vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) and nutmeg. Heat over medium until it simmers.
  2. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks until fluffy.
  3. Slowly pour hot half and half into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking continuously.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan. Whisk vigorously until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour into a heatproof bowl, stir in butter, and cover to chill for at least 2 hours.
Layer Assembly
  1. Arrange 30 vanilla wafer cookies in an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  2. Spread half of the cooled pudding over the cookies.
  3. Slice 2 bananas and layer them on top, brushing them lightly with lemon juice.
  4. Add another layer of 30 cookies followed by the rest of the pudding, then chill for at least 2 more hours.
Whipped Topping
  1. Beat the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  2. Slice the remaining bananas and layer them over the pudding, brushing with lemon juice.
  3. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices.

Notes

Prepare the pudding a day in advance for optimal flavor. If the pudding doesn’t thicken, increase heat while whisking. Add a touch of cinnamon or chocolate chips for variations.