Indulge in a classic dessert that captures the essence of childhood comfort: homemade banana pudding. This recipe takes you back to simpler times, blending the creamy richness of custard with the delightful sweetness of ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of vanilla wafers. It’s the perfect treat for gatherings, family dinners, or simply to enjoy on a quiet afternoon. Get ready to savor every spoonful!
The Best Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe from Scratch
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making banana pudding from scratch. It not only tastes infinitely better than store-bought options but also fills your kitchen with the warm aromatic scents of vanilla and fresh bananas. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box of vanilla wafers
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Over medium heat, cook the mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Once thickened, ladle a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, whisking quickly to temper the eggs. Then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted and smooth.
- In a large dish, start layering: place a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and pour a layer of the custard over the top. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with the custard on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- When ready to serve, you can top the pudding with additional whipped cream or crushed vanilla wafers for an added crunch.
Enjoy your delightful homemade banana pudding with family and friends. Each bite promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making this dessert a timeless favorite!
