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Classic Homemade Grandma’s Banana Pudding Recipe with Nilla Wafers

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A timeless dessert featuring creamy homemade vanilla custard layered with ripe bananas and crisp Nilla wafers, perfect for any occasion and easy to make from scratch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups whole milk (720 ml)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch (40 g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 to 5 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
  • About 45 Nilla wafers, original flavor
  • 1 cup whipped cream (optional, 240 ml)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Slowly whisk in whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
  3. Place saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper.
  5. Pour tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2-3 minutes until thickened and smooth.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Transfer pudding to a bowl, cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
  8. In a 9×13 inch dish, layer half the Nilla wafers, then sliced bananas, then half the pudding. Repeat layers with remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and wafers soften.
  10. Before serving, optionally spread freshly whipped cream over the pudding.

Notes

Constant stirring is essential to avoid lumps and scorching. Temper eggs carefully to prevent scrambling. Cover pudding surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Chilling overnight yields best texture and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute milk and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free wafers can be used for gluten sensitivity.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, homemade banana pudding, Nilla wafers, classic dessert, vanilla custard, easy dessert, family recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/classic-homemade-grandmas-banana-pudding-recipe-with-nilla-wafers-easy-and-perfect-for-dessert/