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Classic Southern Banana Pudding

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A cozy, creamy Southern dessert featuring homemade custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers, perfect for Labor Day gatherings and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 package (about 11 ounces) vanilla wafers
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together ¾ cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt until combined. Slowly add 2 ½ cups whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Place the pan over medium heat.
  2. Stir constantly as the mixture heats. After 5-7 minutes, it will start to thicken. Meanwhile, lightly beat the 3 egg yolks in a separate bowl.
  3. Very slowly ladle about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking briskly.
  4. Continue stirring over medium heat until the custard is thick and glossy, about 2-3 more minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clean line when you run your finger through it.
  5. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter until smooth. Transfer custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, and let cool to room temperature.
  6. In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  7. In a serving dish, lay a single layer of vanilla wafers. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, then spread about one-third of the custard over the bananas. Repeat layers two more times, ending with custard on top.
  8. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the final custard layer. Optionally, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or a few banana slices on top.
  9. Refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the wafers soften and flavors meld.
  10. Spoon into bowls and enjoy chilled.

Notes

Use fresh eggs and whole milk for best richness. Constant stirring prevents lumps and scorching. Temper eggs carefully to avoid scrambling. Press plastic wrap directly on custard to prevent skin. Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning. Whip cream to soft peaks to avoid graininess. Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor melding. Gluten-free options available with gluten-free wafers. For lighter topping, substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, southern dessert, homemade custard, vanilla wafers, Labor Day dessert, creamy banana pudding, easy banana pudding

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/classic-southern-banana-pudding-recipe-easy-homemade-treat-for-labor-day/