Banana pudding is a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and creamy banana pudding that will impress everyone.
So, let’s dive in and whip up some banana pudding magic!
Ingredients
- 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk: This will add a rich, creamy sweetness to the pudding.
- 1 ½ cups cold whole milk: The base for our pudding, giving it a smooth texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For that perfect hint of vanilla flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Adds a delightful tangy richness to the pudding.
- 1 package of instant vanilla-pudding mix (Jell-O is recommended): The star of our pudding, ensuring it sets perfectly.
- 3 cups of heavy cream: To make a fluffy, decadent whipped cream topping.
- 11-ounce box of vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers are recommended): For a crunchy, flavorful layer.
- 6 ripe bananas, sliced: The key ingredient that adds freshness and natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pudding Base
Start by mixing the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
Use a whisk to combine these ingredients until they are well-blended.
2. Incorporate the Cream Cheese
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
Once the cream cheese is ready, gradually add it to the pudding mixture, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add the Pudding Mix
Next, add the instant vanilla-pudding mix to the bowl.
Whisk it thoroughly for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
The instant pudding mix will help the pudding set quickly, giving it a perfect consistency.
4. Chill the Pudding
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to firm up nicely.
5. Make the Whipped Cream
While the pudding is chilling, it’s time to prepare the whipped cream.
Pour the heavy cream into a large, chilled bowl.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
This will take about 3-5 minutes.
Be careful not to overwhip, or you’ll end up with butter!
6. Layer the Banana Pudding
Now comes the fun part – assembling the banana pudding!
Start by spreading a thin layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom of a large serving dish.
Add a layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding, followed by a layer of sliced bananas.
Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a final layer of pudding.
7. Add the Whipped Cream
Spread the freshly whipped cream over the top layer of pudding, creating a smooth and fluffy topping.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can pipe the whipped cream using a piping bag for a decorative touch.
8. Chill and Serve
Cover the assembled banana pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
This allows the flavors to develop and the wafers to soften to the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
When you’re ready to serve, scoop generous portions into bowls and enjoy!
For an extra touch, you can garnish each serving with a few additional banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding
- Choose ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, making your pudding even more delicious.
- Use cold ingredients: Cold milk and cream help the pudding set faster and achieve the right consistency.
- Chill for the best results: Allowing the pudding to chill for several hours ensures it’s properly set and the flavors are well-blended.
- Customize your layers: Feel free to add more layers of bananas and wafers if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Banana pudding is a timeless dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.
With its creamy, dreamy layers of pudding, whipped cream, bananas, and vanilla wafers, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist.
So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Enjoy your banana pudding adventure and happy baking! 🫡 #Baketok