Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe From Scratch
What is Banana Pudding?
Banana pudding is a classic dessert dish made from a mix of bananas, vanilla pudding, and creamy ingredients such as whipped cream or condensed milk. It is often topped with graham crackers, cookies, or meringue. Banana pudding is a staple at potlucks, church suppers, and other family gatherings. The dish has been around since the late 1800s and has been a favorite in the South for generations. It is a simple, no-fuss recipe that can be made in minutes and enjoyed by all.
Ingredients for Banana Pudding from Scratch
This recipe is for a classic banana pudding from scratch. It requires a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen: bananas, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, salt, milk, heavy cream, and graham crackers. If you'd like to add a special touch, you can also use other toppings such as chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or coconut flakes.
Instructions to Make Banana Pudding from Scratch
Start by preparing the pudding. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring continuously, until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
While the pudding cools, prepare the bananas. Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices in a 9-inch pie plate. Set aside.
When the pudding is cooled, pour it over the banana slices. Use a rubber spatula to spread the pudding evenly. Place the pie plate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
While the pudding is setting, prepare the topping. In a medium-sized bowl, whip together the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pudding. Finally, crumble the graham crackers over the top of the whipped cream. Place the pie plate back in the refrigerator for another hour to allow the topping to set.
Serving Banana Pudding
Banana pudding can be served as is, or you can dress it up with a few final touches. For a festive look, sprinkle the pudding with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or coconut flakes. You can also garnish the top with a few slices of fresh banana. Serve the banana pudding chilled or at room temperature. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Banana Pudding Tips & Tricks
For a richer flavor, replace the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream. You can also use a combination of the two for a lighter, but still creamy, pudding. If you are using canned bananas, drain them well before adding them to the pudding. This will help prevent the pudding from becoming too soggy. Finally, if you want to make the pudding a bit sweeter, add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup.
Conclusion
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious pudding in no time. The best part is that you can customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients. So, whether you're hosting a gathering or just looking for a quick and easy dessert, try this delicious banana pudding recipe from scratch. You won't be disappointed!