Description
Southern banana pudding blends creamy layers of vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers into a classic dessert. Nostalgic and comforting, this sweet treat welcomes you to savor Southern hospitality with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 bananas (ripe, sliced)
- 1 package (16 oz/454 g) vanilla wafers
- 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz/396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 package (5 oz/142 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) vanilla extract
- 1 container (12 oz/340 g) whipped topping, thawed (or 3 cups homemade whipped cream)
Instructions
- Pudding Preparation: Whisk cold milk with vanilla pudding mix until it thickens, then blend in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Fold half of the whipped topping into the mixture, creating a silky, creamy base.
- Foundation Construction: Line the bottom of a glass dish with vanilla wafers, covering the entire surface. Layer sliced bananas completely over the wafer foundation, ensuring no gaps remain.
- Layering Technique: Pour pudding mixture over the banana layer, allowing it to seep between wafers and fruit. Systematically repeat the layering process – wafers, bananas, pudding – building elegant strata until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pudding top layer.
- Finishing Touches: Spread remaining whipped topping across the surface in a smooth, even layer. Crumble additional vanilla wafers and sprinkle over the top for textural contrast and visual interest.
- Chilling and Serving: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows flavors to meld and textures to harmonize. Serve thoroughly chilled, revealing the dessert’s beautiful layered composition.
Notes
- Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Cold milk and pre-chilled ingredients ensure a smoother, more stable pudding consistency.
- Layer with Precision: Place wafers and bananas carefully to create even, visually appealing layers that hold together when served.
- Prevent Banana Browning: Toss banana slices with a touch of lemon juice to maintain their fresh, bright appearance and prevent oxidation.
- Customize Texture: For a firmer pudding, reduce whipped topping slightly or use full-fat cream for a richer, more substantial dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg