Easy Homemade Banana Pudding
Cool, creamy, and full of layered goodness—this easy homemade banana pudding is a classic dessert everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers or about 30–40 cookies
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
- Optional: extra crushed cookies or banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Make the pudding base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add milk and yolks: Slowly whisk in the milk and egg yolks until smooth.
- Cook the mixture: Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon—about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add butter and vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Cool slightly: Let the pudding sit for 10–15 minutes to cool before layering.
- Layer the pudding: In a glass dish or individual cups, spread a layer of pudding on the bottom.
- Add cookies: Place a layer of vanilla wafers over the pudding.
- Add bananas: Layer sliced bananas on top of the cookies.
- Repeat the layers: Continue layering pudding, cookies, and bananas until the dish is full or ingredients are used up. Finish with a layer of pudding.
- Top with whipped cream: Add a generous layer of whipped topping or whipped cream over the final pudding layer.
- Chill the pudding: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and cookies to soften.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top with crushed cookies, banana slices, or a swirl of whipped cream.