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–+ servings
A decadent slice of classic banana pudding with layers of vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, and fresh whipped cream, topped with banana slices.

Classic Banana Pudding With Homemade Whipped Cream

A classic banana pudding recipe featuring layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy custard, topped with homemade whipped cream.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Custard
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly
  • 1 package vanilla wafers about 24 cookies
  • 3-4 medium bananas sliced
For the Whipped Cream
  • 1 cup heavy cream cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • serving dish

Method
 

  1. Make the custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Gradually whisk in the egg yolks and then the milk until smooth.
  3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla extract until butter is melted and incorporated.
  5. Pour custard into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold.
  6. Assemble the pudding: Spread a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of your serving dish.
  7. Top with a layer of sliced bananas.
  8. Spoon a generous layer of the chilled custard over the bananas.
  9. Repeat layers of wafers, bananas, and custard until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of custard.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften.
  11. Make the whipped cream: In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
  12. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled banana pudding just before serving.

Notes

For best results, assemble the pudding a few hours before serving to allow the wafers to soften. You can also make the custard a day in advance.

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