This classic Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe combines creamy vanilla custard pudding with sweet slices of bananas, vanilla wafers, and fresh whipped cream for real banana flavor. It is a hot commodity at any family function, potluck, or gathering.
Between my daughter and my husband, you can not keep enough bananas in the house. I love the wholesome goodness of this banana pudding recipe. This is the real deal. There is no boxed pudding here, just real, creamy vanilla pudding and fresh whipped cream. If you love bananas as much as we do try
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Milk: Whole milk is best for this recipe for a creamy vanilla pudding.
- Vanilla extract: Please use the pure stuff.
- Butter: Unsalted or salted, it is such a small amount of butter, it will only make a subtle difference.
- Bananas: Use ripe, firm bananas but not over-ripe bananas.
- Vanilla wafers: You can substitute butter cookies, shortbread cookies, or ladyfingers.
- Whipping cream: Cool Whip can be substituted for the fresh whipped cream, although I highly recommend homemade.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- Use the extra egg whites for an egg white omelette or scrambled egg whites.
- Continue whisking even after you take it off the heat, as it will cook a little longer off the heat.
- Vanilla should be added after a little cooling for a more intense flavor.
- For best results, chill the beater and bowl 20 minutes before making the whipped cream.
- Store this dessert and all leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, consume within 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brush the slices with lemon juice or orange juice. You can also arrange the pudding so the banana slices are completely submerged in the pudding.
The pudding will last up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but each day the bananas will brown a little more.
Yes, you can make it with vanilla or banana instant, but I hope you make the pudding from scratch, as it is delicious.
I do not recommend that. Banana pudding does not freeze well.
More No-Bake Recipes
Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Homemade Vanilla Pudding Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 egg yolks
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons butter
For the Banana Pudding:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 8 ounces vanilla wafer cookies
For the Fresh Whipped Cream:
- 1½ cups whipping cream
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add sugar, flour, salt, egg yolks, and milk to a large saucepan. Whisk to combine and place over low heat. Cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, whisking constantly. It will take 12-15 minutes. Using a spoon, scrape the bottom edge of the pan several times during the cooking process.
- Remove from the heat and whisk several times to cool. Whisk in vanilla and butter. Place a piece of plastic wrap right on top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
- Meanwhile, using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer (with whisk attachment) on medium beat whipping cream while adding the powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- To assemble dessert place a row of vanilla wafers in 8×11 or 9×9 inch casserole dish. Slice 2 bananas over the top and cover with half the pudding. Then place another row of vanilla wafers (this row does not need to be as tight or clean). Slice 2 bananas over the top and cover with remaining pudding.
- Carefully spread the whipped cream over the top. Refrigerate for 1-3 hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Sonya
Okay, now I’m officially craving banana pudding. It’s one of those desserts that feels like home, you know? I love that this version is homemade but still totally doable — and those layers with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers? Pure happiness in a dish.
Ebony
This was such an easy recipe to follow and it turned out so good! Much better than box jello! cant wait to make this again!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Ebony! I am so glad that you liked it!
Catherine
This banana pudding brought back so many childhood memories! It was creamy, sweet, and the perfect balance of bananas and vanilla wafers. I couldn’t stop going back for seconds!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it Catherine.
Jerry G
The Homemade Banana Pudding recipe and the creamy vanilla custard paired with the fresh banana slices and whipped cream is an absolute hit. This truly lives up to its classic Southern comfort food reputation.