There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade dessert, and my Creamy Banana Pudding is no exception. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I am excited to share it with all of you. This pudding is a perfect blend of sweet, ripe bananas and creamy vanilla pudding, layered with soft vanilla wafers that give it a delightful crunch. The best part? It’s super easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this banana pudding recipe is one you’ll return to time and time again. The origins of banana pudding can be traced back to the United States in the late 19th century. It’s a quintessential Southern dessert, often served at potlucks, church suppers, and family gatherings. Over the years, it has become a staple dessert in many other parts of the country too. I fell in love with this dessert the first time I tasted it at a friend’s house and have been making it ever since. When I make this pudding, I prefer to use ripe bananas for their sweetness and flavor, and the instant vanilla pudding mix makes the process so much quicker. The whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the pudding. Lastly, the vanilla wafers add a welcome crunch and help to absorb the flavors. What’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand condensed milk
- 1 1/2 c. cold water
- 1 (3 1/2 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
- 2 c. whipping cream, whipped
- 36 vanilla wafers
- 3 medium bananas
Mixing Method
- In large bowl, combine milk and water.
- Add pudding mix.
- Beat well until blended.
- Fold in whipping cream.
- Spoon 1 cup pudding mixture into 2 1/2-quart round glass bowl.
- Top with 1/3 each of the vanilla wafers, bananas and pudding.
- Repeat layers twice, ending with pudding mixture.
- Chill thoroughly.
- Garnish, if desired.
Calorie: 300
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Welcome to the Land of Creamy Banana Pudding
Ah, the Creamy Banana Pudding. Isn’t it just the coziest, most comforting dessert you can imagine? And just like the best comfort foods, it’s also a sneaky little devil, hiding behind its seeming simplicity. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?
The Gathering of Ingredients
First things first, I’ve got my trusty Eagle Brand condensed milk. Now, this is where the magic begins. The silky texture, that subtle sweetness… Ah, I’m getting ahead of myself. Next up, we’ve got cold water. Not much to say here, but it’s essential! Now, onto the star of the show, the instant vanilla pudding. This stuff is like a magical fairy dust that turns ordinary milk into a creamy, dreamy delight.
And oh, the whipping cream! This stuff is like a fluffy cloud from heaven. Add in some crunchy vanilla wafers and bananas, and we’re ready to rock and roll. Bananas are nature’s little joke, aren’t they? They come with their own biodegradable packaging and taste like sunshine.
The Mixing Bowl Dance
The first step is to combine milk and water in a large bowl. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp on the bowl size here. Nothing like a milk tsunami on your counter to slow down the pudding process! Then we add the pudding mix.
Here’s where the magic happens folks, as you beat this concoction until it’s well blended, it transforms from a watery mess to a thick, luxurious pudding. It’s like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, but tastier. Then you fold in the whipping cream, making everything even more heavenly.
Layering Like a Boss
Now comes the fun part. We’re going to layer this bad boy, starting with a cup of the pudding mixture in a 2 1/2-quart round glass bowl. Then you add a third of the vanilla wafers, a third of the bananas, and a third of the pudding. You know what they say, good things come in threes!
Repeat the layers twice, ending with the pudding mixture. I know, right? It’s like building a little pudding castle. And yes, sometimes I wear a paper crown while doing this. Don’t judge.
Chilling Out
Next, you need to let it chill thoroughly. This is the hardest part, my friends. The waiting. The longing. The staring at the fridge, willing it to chill faster. But patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait.
And finally, garnish if desired. I usually go for some extra banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed wafers. Because let’s be real, there’s no such thing as too many wafers.
The Sweet, Sweet Victory
When all is said and done, you’ve got a bowl of Creamy Banana Pudding that’s worth every second of effort. It’s like a little bowl of sunshine, a spoonful of tropical vacation, a dollop of childhood memories…
And that, my friends, is how you conquer the Creamy Banana Pudding. Until next time, keep those aprons tied and those whisks ready!
