Easy Banana Pudding: A Creamy, No-Bake Classic
With its rich vanilla pudding made from scratch and fluffy whipped cream, this Banana Dessert Recipes favorite is simple to whip up yet feels like a special occasion. Ready in just a few steps, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love.
Ingredients
Vanilla Pudding
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2-¼ cups whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1-½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp instant pudding mix vanilla flavor
Additional
- 5-6 large bananas
- 1 box Nilla Wafers
Instructions
- Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble (this could take as long as 8-10 minutes).
- Once bubbling, continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently (but gently). The pudding should be thick but pourable.
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract. If needed, strain any lumps at this point (I didn't have any lumps, but the smoothness can vary depending on quality of ingredients, temperature of stove, and even the type of saucepan used).
- Transfer the pudding into a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Whisk together all of the whipped cream ingredients on high speed with a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Cover and keep chilled until ready to assemble.
Notes
- You could also fill individual dessert bowls with smaller portions of the layers instead of one big dish.