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Homemade Banana Pudding

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Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic for a reason! Homemade vanilla pudding layered with bananas, vanilla wafer cookies and whipped cream is the ultimate comfort food.

Layered banana pudding in a trifle dish, topped with whipped cream and sliced bananas

If there were ever a dessert – aside from cheesecake that I’d say I am obsessed with, it would be Banana Pudding.

Whether it is homemade, a super simple version with packaged ingredients, or even this easy Banana Cream Pie Fluff, I simply don’t think you can wrong with bananas, whipped cream and vanilla wafers. It’s pretty much my favorite flavor combo at the moment, so you’ll be seeing a few more banana cream recipes in the coming weeks.

Homemade Banana Pudding is so simple to make – even from scratch and it can feed a crowd if you double the recipe for a trifle dish, which is why it’s ranks as one of my top 5 potluck recipes. But it also keeps pretty well in the fridge, so if you’re not feeding a crowd, you can have this as a delicious dessert or snack throughout the week.

Ingredients for homemade banana pudding on a marble countertop

HOMEMADE BANANA PUDDING

As I said, I love banana pudding. I have made plenty of banana desserts and yet somehow it’s hard to beat a classic banana pudding. 

There’s just something about the layers of Nilla wafer cookies, sweet and creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and pillowy whipped cream. I could eat it all day long.

One layer of banana pudding in a trifle dish with bananas in the background

There are lots of ways to make an easy banana pudding with pudding mix or even Cool Whip. But sometimes I just want to make a Homemade Banana Pudding with Homemade Vanilla Pudding and Homemade Whipped Cream

Homemade everything!

Layer of banana pudding in a trifle dish topped with a layer of nilla wafer cookies

Ok, not quite. I don’t make my own Nilla wafers, although you totally could! Homemade vanilla wafers would be delicious – I just never feel like making them.

Don’t worry that making your own banana pudding from scratch is hard. It’s a lot easier than you think!

Side view of two layers of banana pudding in a trifle dish

HOW TO MAKE BANANA PUDDING FROM SCRATCH

First, you’ll want to get the components of your Homemade Banana Pudding ready to go:

  • Make homemade vanilla pudding according to my recipe
  • Slice 3-4 bananas
  • Whip up some homemade whipped cream
Close up of the top of a layered banana pudding in a trifle dish, topped with whipped cream, bananas and nilla wafers

As soon as the pudding comes off the stove and you whisk in the butter and vanilla, grab your favorite baking dish. Line the bottom of the dish with a layer of Nilla wafer cookies, topped with a layer of sliced bananas. 

Pour half of the warm pudding over the sliced bananas. Repeat the cookie, banana, and pudding layers one more time.

Place a layer of plastic wrap over the pudding so that the plastic touches the top of the pudding. This will prevent a skin from forming while it chills.

Banana pudding in a white bowl with a spoon in it

Let the pudding chill for at least 4 hours. Before serving, top with as much whipped cream as you desire. Garnish with more cookies and banana slices.

One batch of pudding will fill a 2 to 2 ½ quart baking dish. If you’d like to make your banana pudding in a trifle dish like you see in these photos, I recommend doubling the recipe to fill the dish.

Banana pudding in a trifle dish with a spoonful taken out of the top

MORE BANANA DESSERT RECIPES

I don’t know what it is about spring that makes me want to make all of the banana desserts. If you are also craving all sorts of banana goodness, check out four more of my favorite banana dessert recipes.

Banana pudding in a trifle dish, topped with whipped cream, bananas, and nilla wafer cookies
Banana pudding in a trifle dish, topped with whipped cream, bananas, and nilla wafer cookies

Homemade Banana Pudding

Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic for a reason! Homemade vanilla pudding layered with bananas, vanilla wafer cookies and whipped cream is the ultimate comfort food.
4.50 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 -8 servings

Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Make the vanilla pudding as directed. After stirring in the butter and vanilla, set aside.
  • Line the bottom of a 2-2.5 quart baking dish with a layer of Nilla Wafers, topped by a layer of banana slices. Pour over half of the vanilla pudding. Repeat the layers one more time.
  • Place a layer of plastic wrap over the pudding so that the plastic touches the top of the pudding. Chill for at least 4 hours. Before serving, top with as much homemade whipped cream as you desire. Garnish with additional Nilla Water cookies. 

Notes

If you would like to layer your banana pudding in a trifle dish, you may need to double the recipe to fill the dish.
The default measuring system on My Baking Addiction is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided as a courtesy; please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
Card may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Vanilla pudding in a small white bowl, topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries

Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Forget boxed mixes or pre-packaged pudding cups. Making Homemade Vanilla Pudding is as easy as can be and the results are beyond delicious! 
4.50 from 872 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups whole milk divided
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the milk with the cornstarch. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining milk, salt, and sugar. Allow the mixture to heat over medium heat until it is steaming; do not let it boil.
  • While the milk heats, whisk the egg yolks in a separate small bowl. Once the milk is steaming, slowly stream ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Slowly add the egg yolk mixture back to the pot, followed by the cornstarch mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture starts to simmer and has thickened.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla. 
  • Pour into individual serving dishes. Top each with a layer of plastic wrap touching the top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming and serve warm or allow to chill for several hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 0.3mg
The default measuring system on My Baking Addiction is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided as a courtesy; please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
Card may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mug of coffee topped with freshly whipped cream

Homemade Whipped Cream

Yield: About 4 cups whipped cream
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Homemade whipped cream is so easy to make! You'll never buy the canned stuff again with this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ¼ cup granulated or powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional

Optional add-ins:

  • Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • Flavor extracts such as coffee, almond, lemon, peppermint, etc.
  • Citrus zest
  • Alcohol/liqueurs such as rum, Kahlua, creme de menthe, amaretto, Grand Marnier, etc.
  • Textured add-ins such as graham cracker crumbs, crushed Oreos, crushed peppermint candies, etc.

Instructions

  1. Place bowl and beater blades (if using a stand mixer, use the whisk attachment) in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until very cold.
  2. Add cold cream, sugar and any desired add-ins to the bowl. Whip on high speed until the cream forms stiff peaks.
  3. Whipped cream may be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 10 hours. Prior to serving, whip again on high for about 15 seconds.

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Nutrition Information
Yield 16 Serving Size 1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving Calories 103Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 4mgSodium 32mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 0gSugar 8gProtein 1g

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Recipe Rating




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David King

Thursday 7th of September 2023

Have tried several of your recipes. They are an excellent starting point, using cornstarc Instead of flour is a real timesaver, I added an extra egg yolk for richness, used a high quality European butter, and substituted vanilla bean for extract. Added a Tbsp of powdered sugar to whipped cream. Bottom 2 layers I used crushed Nola wafers in combination with whole wafers, turned out really well. Live in the country and have access to fresh milk gonna try that next.

Jamie

Friday 8th of September 2023

Glad you enjoyed, David! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your feedback. Happy baking! Jamie

Nisee

Saturday 26th of August 2023

The first time I made this recipe it came out kind of chunky so what I did differently was I added the eggs in the cold pot with the milk, sugar and salt, cooked it until it got hot and then added the cornstarch slurry cooked it until it got a little thick and then I strained it into a bowl and then added the vanilla and the butter. I made banana pudding with it. The flavor is amazing!!!

Jamie

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your feedback, Nisee! Happy baking! Jamie

Moni

Thursday 24th of November 2022

I made this for a Thanksgiving dessert. It was awesome. I would suggest adding a little extra cornstarch for more humid areas in the south.

Jamie

Monday 5th of December 2022

So glad you enjoyed the banana pudding, Moni! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your feedback. Happy baking!

Sue Phelps

Sunday 17th of April 2022

THe artificial sugar will work as regular sugar. Also by sprinkling a litlle sugar on top of hot pudding instead of plastic wrap will keep the skin from forming. We didnt have plastic wrap back in the day.

Jamie

Monday 18th of April 2022

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment, Sue! Happy baking! -Jamie

Sarah

Friday 18th of March 2022

CAN I MAKE THIS WITH STEVIA INSTEAD OF SUGAR?

CK

Thursday 21st of April 2022

@Sarah, I would use Allulose instead; works great. 1 cup sugar = 1 1/3 cup Allulose. Many stores carry it now, as well as amazon. Not cheap but great.

Jamie

Monday 21st of March 2022

Hello! I haven't attempted this recipe with this substitution, so I am not sure of the result. If you happen to give it a try, I'd love to know how it turned out. Thanks so much for stopping by. -Jamie

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