The Easiest Banana Pudding Recipe You'll Ever Make
One of those standard American desserts that sneak up on you and leave an image you'll never forget is banana pudding. I first learned how creamy and delicious it was when I had a great conversation with a Southern chef who argued that no family get-together or barbecue was complete without a big serving of this smooth treat.
There are a lot of theories about why banana pudding became so closely linked to Southern food. Some say it's because of the South's strong farming ties and how easy it is to grow bananas, while others say it's because people there love rich, sweet foods. No matter where it came from, banana pudding is now more than just a treat. It's a trip back to simpler times that makes people think of family get-togethers, church parties, and holiday celebrations.
Whether you've made banana pudding before or this is your first time trying it, this recipe will make you a delicious, creamy treat that's easy to make and worth every bite. Here's how to make the easiest banana pudding you'll ever make!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Deliciousness: With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a luscious pudding that’s as simple to make as it is to eat.
- Perfectly Sweet: We use just the right amount of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, making this pudding irresistibly sweet without being overpowering.
- Creamy: The combination of whole milk, cornflour, and egg yolks creates a rich, creamy texture that’s a true delight in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cornflour
- Salt
- 5 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 ripe bananas
How to Make Banana Pudding?
Step 1: Heat and Mash
Start by heating 4 cups of whole milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 mashed bananas to the milk. This step infuses the milk with banana flavor, making the pudding extra delicious. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it until it’s steaming but not boiling.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
While the milk is heating, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of cornflour, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the beaten egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup of milk. This mixture is the key to achieving that perfect pudding texture.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Once your milk is steaming, whisk half of it into the egg mixture to temper the eggs (this helps prevent them from scrambling). Gradually whisk the egg-milk mixture back into the pan with the rest of the hot milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. You’ll notice the mixture thickening as it heats up. Continue to whisk until the pudding reaches a boil and thickens to a pudding-like consistency—usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Chill
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the pudding (this helps keep it smooth). Refrigerate until completely cooled and thickened, which takes about 4 hours.
Step 5: Fold in the Bananas
One hour before serving, take the pudding out of the fridge and whisk it vigorously until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 3/4 of the sliced bananas, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an additional hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the banana pudding into individual cups or bowls. Top with the remaining banana slices for a fresh, vibrant finish. Your easy banana pudding is now ready to be enjoyed!
Zulay's Expert Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding
- Banana Selection: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be slightly speckled and sweet. Overripe bananas work particularly well as they add a richer banana flavor.
- Preventing Skin: To avoid skin forming on your pudding, press the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding while it chills.
- Texture Adjustment: Blend the mixture before chilling if you prefer a smoother pudding. If you like sometexture, skip this step and enjoy the natural banana chunks.
- Serving Suggestions: Top the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafersfor an extra touch. It adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Zulay's Final Thoughts
This banana pudding recipe isn’t just easy to make but incredibly versatile and satisfying. It’s perfect for everything from a casual family dessert to a show-stopping dish at your next gathering. The rich, creamy texture and natural sweetness of ripe bananas make this pudding a classic treat everyone will love.
It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as this easy banana pudding becomes your new favorite dessert!
Let Us Know What You Think!
I’d love to hear how your banana pudding turned out! Did you make any tweaks to the recipe? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family on social media. Tag @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness to spread the pudding love!
