Oh, let me tell you about old fashioned banana pudding! This classic dessert has a way of wrapping you in comfort with its creamy layers, sweet bananas, and those irresistible vanilla wafers. I remember my grandma used to whip this up on warm summer days, and the smell of that rich pudding cooking on the stovetop was pure magic. We’d sit around the table, eagerly waiting for it to chill, and I can still taste that first spoonful—smooth, sweet, and oh so satisfying! Trust me, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about this dessert that just makes you feel at home.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Making old fashioned banana pudding is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and your heart with warmth. Let’s dive into the steps for crafting this beloved dessert, and I promise you’ll have a delicious treat to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Combine the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk it all together until it’s well mixed—no lumps allowed!
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly; this is key! You want that mixture to thicken up beautifully. It should take about 5-7 minutes of stirring, so be patient and enjoy the anticipation.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually stir in the beaten eggs, making sure to mix gently to avoid scrambling them. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously. You’ll see it get even creamier!
- Now, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor. Oh, it smells heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will add a lightness to the pudding that’s just divine. You can use a hand mixer or whisk it by hand—whatever you prefer!
- Now comes the fun part! In a large serving dish, start layering. First, place a layer of vanilla wafers, then a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a generous scoop of the pudding. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Finally, dollop that whipped cream on top! Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
And there you go! You’ve just created a classic old fashioned banana pudding that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
Nutritional Information for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delightful old fashioned banana pudding! Each serving is packed with flavor, and here’s what you can typically expect in terms of nutrition:
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. But one thing’s for sure—this pudding is a delicious treat that’s worth every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days when you crave a sweet treat.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Nostalgic Comfort: Each bite brings back memories of childhood and family gatherings, filling your heart with warmth and joy.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or holiday feast, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles all around.
- Customizable: You can easily add your own twist with ingredients like chocolate or nuts, making it your own!
Trust me, once you serve this old fashioned banana pudding, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Tips for Success with Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
To truly elevate your old fashioned banana pudding, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, always use ripe bananas; they’re sweeter and add that delicious banana flavor we all love. When whipping the cream, make sure it’s cold and whip it until stiff peaks form for the best texture. Don’t skimp on the chilling time—letting the pudding rest for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) allows those flavors to meld beautifully. And if you can, try to serve it the next day; trust me, it gets even better!
Variations of Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Now, let’s get creative with this classic old fashioned banana pudding! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For a chocolate twist, try layering in some chocolate pudding or crushed chocolate cookies instead of vanilla wafers. If you’re a peanut butter lover, spread a layer of creamy peanut butter between the banana slices and pudding—oh my goodness, it’s divine! Want a crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture. And don’t forget, you can swap out the vanilla wafers for different cookies like graham crackers or even ginger snaps for a fun flavor twist. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
When it comes to serving old fashioned banana pudding, I love to keep it simple yet delightful! A steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea pairs wonderfully with the creamy sweetness of the pudding. For gatherings, consider presenting it in a beautiful glass trifle dish to show off those lovely layers—everyone will be wowed before they even take a bite! And don’t shy away from garnishing with extra banana slices or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for that extra touch. Trust me, it makes it all the more tempting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of your delicious old fashioned banana pudding (which I seriously doubt, but just in case!), storing it properly is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact. Simply cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Now, if you want to enjoy it warm, just scoop out what you want and gently heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat—it’s all about that perfect creamy texture!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out this banana pudding recipe or this banana pudding cake recipe!
Print
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding: 7 Comforting Layers to Savor
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert featuring layers of creamy pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in beaten eggs.
- Return to heat and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding in a serving dish.
- Top with whipped cream. Chill before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: old fashioned banana pudding
