Description
Southern Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy wafers, it’s a nostalgic treat perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a little sweetness.
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Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
- Optional: Fresh whipped cream or crushed wafers for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cold milk, and pudding mix until smooth.
- Refrigerate for 5 minutes or until thickened.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mixture until fully combined.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
5. In a 9×13-inch dish, layer the vanilla wafers across the bottom.
6. Top with a layer of banana slices, then spread a layer of pudding over the bananas.
7. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
9. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream or crushed wafers, if desired.
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: Fully ripe bananas with yellow skins and brown spots are sweet and perfect for this dessert.
- Make Ahead: Banana pudding tastes even better when made the day before, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customizable Layers: Add a layer of crushed cookies or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Whipped Cream Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping your own cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: American