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Creamy Classic Banana Pudding Recipe with Vanilla Wafers

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A quick and easy creamy banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers and ripe bananas, perfect for any occasion and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 ripe, medium-sized bananas, sliced
  • About 50 grams (roughly 30) vanilla wafers
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice 4 to 5 ripe bananas into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds. Set aside about 50 grams (30 wafers) of vanilla wafers for layering.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add 2 cups whole milk while whisking to combine smoothly without lumps.
  3. Place saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula for about 7-9 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently. The custard should coat the back of a spoon.
  4. In a small bowl, lightly beat 3 large egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot custard into the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent cooking the eggs. Then, return the yolk mixture to the saucepan, whisking continuously. Cook for 2 more minutes until thickened further.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. If using cream cheese, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese separately until smooth, then whisk it into the warm custard until fully combined. Cool the custard for 10 minutes.
  6. In a glass or ceramic dish, spread a thin layer of custard on the bottom. Add a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices. Repeat layering custard, wafers, and bananas until all ingredients are used, finishing with a custard layer on top.
  7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the pudding surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
  8. Spoon into bowls and enjoy chilled. Optional: top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for texture contrast.

Notes

Use small-curd cottage cheese blended into the custard for extra creaminess if desired. For gluten-free, swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies. For dairy-free, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter. Temper egg yolks carefully to avoid scrambling. Press plastic wrap directly on pudding to prevent skin formation.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla wafers, creamy dessert, easy dessert, classic banana pudding, no bake dessert

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-classic-banana-pudding-recipe-with-vanilla-wafers-easy-and-perfect-dessert/