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Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding from Scratch

Classic banana pudding made from scratch with creamy custard, fresh bananas, and layers of vanilla wafers.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Custard
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 2.5 cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Layers
  • 3–4 ripe bananas sliced
  • 1.5 cups vanilla wafers
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream whipped
  • optional powdered sugar, whipped cream, or wafer crumbs for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Trifle dish or individual bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Beat egg yolks and temper with 1/2 cup milk.
  2. Cook mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  3. Cool custard slightly for 5–10 minutes.
  4. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
  5. Layer wafers, banana slices, and pudding in a trifle dish or bowls.
  6. Repeat layers until dish is filled, topping with pudding.
  7. Top with whipped cream or meringue and optional wafer crumbs.
  8. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Best served cold; prepare a day ahead for flavors to meld.