Banana Pudding Nilla Wafers Cream (Print Version)

Layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers with whipped cream—a nostalgic Southern dessert.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pudding

01 - 130 g granulated sugar
02 - 32 g cornstarch
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 600 ml whole milk
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 28 g unsalted butter
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Assembly

08 - 310 g Nilla wafers
09 - 4 medium ripe bananas, sliced
10 - 480 ml heavy whipping cream
11 - 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add whole milk, whisking until smooth.
02 - In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks until combined.
03 - Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble, about 6 to 8 minutes.
04 - Gradually whisk about 120 ml of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
05 - Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, for an additional 2 minutes until thick and creamy. Remove from heat. Stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until combined.
06 - Transfer pudding to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and let cool to room temperature or refrigerate to chill more quickly.
07 - Arrange a layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom of a trifle dish or 23x33 cm baking dish. Top with a layer of banana slices.
08 - Spread one-third of the pudding evenly over the bananas.
09 - Repeat the layering of wafers, bananas, and pudding two more times, ending with a pudding layer on top.
10 - In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form.
11 - Spread or pipe whipped cream over the top layer of pudding. Garnish with additional banana slices and crushed Nilla wafers if desired.
12 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses everyday simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry
  • Takes just over half an hour to prepare
  • Layered for creamy and crunchy texture in each bite
  • A favorite with both kids and grownups
  • Can be made ahead to save stress on busy days
02 -
  • High in comfort and nostalgia
  • Egg and milk custard makes it rich and satisfying
  • Bananas soften into a sweet jammy layer
  • Can feed a crowd easily
03 -
  • Take time to whisk the pudding constantly to avoid any lumps or burning on the bottom
  • Bananas should be just ripe with no green as under ripe fruit can taste chalky
  • Let the pudding chill fully before serving so the layers hold together and flavors deepen

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