Ultimate Banana Cream Pudding is one of my favorite desserts. It's super creamy and has that awesome banana flavor that everyone loves. This pudding is perfect for any time you need a sweet treat, and it's so easy to make. I love how the smooth pudding mixes with the slices of fresh banana, and the whipped cream on top makes it even better.
When I make this banana cream pudding, I always use ripe bananas because they are sweeter and easier to mash. The best part is that you don't need any special ingredients or tools to make it. Just a few basic items from your kitchen, and you're good to go.
What I also like about this pudding is how you can customize it. Sometimes, I add some crushed cookies or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. It's also a fun dessert to make with friends or family because everyone can help and add their favorite toppings.
Overall, this banana cream pudding is a simple, tasty, and satisfying dessert that you can enjoy any day of the week. It's a great way to use up ripe bananas and make something that everyone will love. Give it a try, and you'll see how delicious it is!
Table of Contents
Chef's Notes – Ultimate Banana Cream Pudding
- Preparation is Key: Make sure all your ingredients are gathered and ready before you start. This will ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Chill the Bowls and Whisk: To keep the pudding mixture extra cold and fluffy, consider chilling your mixing bowls and whisk in the fridge for 15 minutes before starting.
- Gentle Folding: When folding in the whipped topping, use a gentle hand to maintain the airy texture of the pudding.
- Layer Evenly: For an attractive presentation and consistent flavor in each bite, layer the vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture evenly.
- Fresh Bananas: Use ripe, but firm bananas for the best texture and flavor. Overripe bananas may become too mushy in the pudding.
- Flavor Infusion: For a deeper banana flavor, try adding a mashed banana to the pudding mixture.
- Overnight Chill: While an hour of chilling is sufficient, letting the pudding sit overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
- Serving Tips: Just before serving, you can add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch.
Ultimate Banana Cream Pudding
20
servings25
minutes300
kcal25
minutesDiscover how to make the ultimate banana cream pudding with simple ingredients. Perfect for gatherings, this dessert is both delightful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
2 cups Milk cold
1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix 5 ounces
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 ounces
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
1 container Frozen Whipped Topping 12 ounces, thawed
1 package Vanilla Wafers 16 ounces
14 small Bananas sliced
Directions
- Gather all ingredients to ensure a smooth preparation process.
- In a large bowl, combine milk and pudding mix; whisk for 2 minutes. Blend in condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- In a glass serving bowl, layer vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices, and then the pudding mixture. Repeat until all components are used.
- Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly.
- Before serving, top the pudding with extra crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 33g
- Vitamin A: 100IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Alternative Ingredients:
- Dairy-free milk (almond, soy) replaces regular milk
- Gluten-free vanilla wafers replace regular vanilla wafers
- Dairy-free whipped topping replaces regular whipped topping
FAQ – Ultimate Banana Cream Pudding
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form, and then fold it into the pudding mixture.
What if I don't have vanilla wafers?
You can substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even butter cookies. Just make sure to layer them in the same way.
How long can I store banana cream pudding in the refrigerator?
Banana cream pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Just add the final toppings before serving.
What can I do to prevent the bananas from browning?
To prevent the bananas from browning, you can lightly coat the banana slices with lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. This will help maintain their color and freshness.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using plant-based milk (such as almond or coconut milk), dairy-free pudding mix, and coconut whipped topping. Ensure all substitutions are compatible with your dietary needs.
