Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: About 6-8 medium ripe bananas, sliced. The star of the show! Ripe bananas provide the perfect sweetness and soft texture that defines banana pudding. Look for bananas that are yellow with brown spots, indicating peak ripeness.
- Vanilla Wafers: 1 (12-ounce) box of vanilla wafers. These classic cookies provide a delightful crunch and vanilla flavor that complements the creamy pudding and bananas. Nabisco Nilla Wafers are the traditional choice, but any good quality vanilla wafer will work.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: 2 (3.4-ounce) packages of instant vanilla pudding mix. Instant pudding mix is the key to creating the smooth, creamy custard base quickly and easily. Make sure it is instant pudding, not cook-and-serve.
- Whole Milk: 4 cups of cold whole milk. Whole milk provides the richness and creaminess needed for the pudding. While lower fat milk can be used, whole milk will yield the most authentic and decadent result.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness, contributing to the signature creamy texture of Southern Banana Pudding.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream. Whipped cream adds lightness and airiness to the pudding, creating a beautiful topping and enhancing the overall texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. A touch of extra sugar helps stabilize the whipped cream and enhance its sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, bringing out the sweetness and warmth of the pudding.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the two packages of instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold whole milk. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. It’s crucial to use cold milk to ensure the pudding sets up properly and quickly. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the can of sweetened condensed milk into the pudding mixture. Gently stir to combine it evenly. The sweetened condensed milk will add a depth of sweetness and creaminess that is characteristic of authentic Southern Banana Pudding. Ensure it is fully incorporated into the pudding base.
- Let the Pudding Set: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pudding for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 1-2 hours. This chilling time allows the pudding to fully set and firm up, creating the perfect creamy consistency. While it chills, you can prepare the whipped cream and slice the bananas.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: While the pudding is chilling, prepare the whipped cream. In a separate chilled bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer), beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-beat, or you’ll end up with butter! Stiff peaks are when the whipped cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters. Set the whipped cream aside in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pudding.
- Slice the Bananas: Just before you are ready to assemble the banana pudding, peel and slice the ripe bananas. It’s best to slice them right before assembly to prevent them from browning. Slice them to your desired thickness, about ¼ to ½ inch thick is ideal. If you are preparing the pudding ahead of time, you can toss the banana slices with a little lemon juice or pineapple juice to help prevent browning, but for the freshest flavor, slicing just before assembly is recommended.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding: Now it’s time to assemble the layers of deliciousness! You can assemble the pudding in a large trifle bowl, a 9×13 inch baking dish, or individual serving dishes.
- First Layer: Start by creating a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of your chosen dish. You can arrange them in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed to cover the bottom surface.
- Second Layer: Spoon a layer of the chilled vanilla pudding mixture over the vanilla wafers, spreading it evenly. Use about half of the pudding for this layer.
- Third Layer: Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the pudding. Make sure to cover the pudding layer with a generous amount of banana slices, creating a substantial banana flavor in each bite.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layers with the remaining vanilla wafers, pudding, and bananas. You should have two layers of each in a standard trifle bowl or 9×13 dish. For individual servings, you might only have one or two layers depending on the dish size.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Finally, generously spread the prepared whipped cream over the top layer of bananas and pudding, creating a beautiful and light topping. You can create swirls or smooth it out evenly, depending on your preference.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled banana pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the vanilla wafers to soften slightly, creating the perfect texture. For the best flavor and texture, allow it to chill overnight. Serve cold and enjoy every creamy, banana-y bite of your Classic Southern Banana Pudding!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g