Layered vanilla custard with bananas and Nilla wafers
Classic Banana Pudding
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
4 hr 35 min
Servings
10
1 large trifle dish
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Classic Banana Pudding
Layered vanilla custard with bananas and Nilla wafers
★4.8(12)
Layers of homemade vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and Nilla wafers topped with billowy whipped cream. The quintessential Southern dessert.
25m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
275m
Total Time
10
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Classic banana pudding layers silky homemade vanilla custard with fresh bananas and Nilla wafers that soften into a cake-like texture. It's a Southern institution that needs no reinvention.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
This version of Classic Banana Pudding has been refined through testing to ensure consistently excellent results. A truly great dessert is not about being the sweetest thing on the table. It is about balance — a little salt to sharpen the chocolate, a touch of acid to brighten the fruit, a crust that shatters before giving way to something soft.
Ingredients
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 box (11 oz) Nilla wafers
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 egg yolks plus 2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- 1
Whisk sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick, about 8 minutes.
- 2
Temper egg yolks by whisking a cup of hot mixture into them, then pour back into the pan. Cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and 2 tbsp butter.
- 3
Layer the bottom of a trifle dish or 9x13 pan with Nilla wafers. Top with sliced bananas, then pour one-third of the warm custard over.
- 4
Repeat layers twice more, ending with custard. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- 5
Top with whipped cream (2 cups cream whipped with 1/4 cup sugar) and garnish with wafers and banana slices before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Substitutions
Nilla wafersChessmen cookies or shortbread
Both absorb custard and soften beautifully
Homemade custard2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
Quick shortcut, but homemade is richer
ButterCoconut oil, solid
Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor or virgin for a subtle coconut note. Measure by weight, not volume, as the densities differ slightly.
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Vanilla Extract
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the vanilla matters
For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.
This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.
- Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
- Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes
Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.
Shop vanilla extract for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Toss banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours so the wafers soften into a cake-like layer.
Measure baking ingredients by weight when possible. Baking is chemistry, and precision matters more than in any other type of cooking.
Bring butter, eggs, and dairy to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients do not emulsify properly and can produce tough, uneven results.
Storage
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Best within 2 days before bananas darken.
Reheating
Most baked goods are best at room temperature. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then bring to room temperature. Some items benefit from a brief warm-up in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Read the entire recipe before starting. Baking rewards preparation — having everything measured and at the right temperature before you begin makes the process smooth and the results consistent.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (90mg) · 10 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein6g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat56g
Fiber160mg
Sugar2g
Sodium34g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant pudding?
- For a shortcut, use 2 boxes vanilla instant pudding, but homemade custard is far superior.
- How do I keep bananas from turning brown?
- Toss slices in lemon juice, and they'll stay golden for 2-3 days.
- What if I do not have a stand mixer?
- A hand mixer works for most recipes, though creaming may take a bit longer. For some tasks like whipping egg whites, a hand mixer actually gives you more control. In a pinch, vigorous whisking by hand works for simpler batters.
- Can I reduce the sugar?
- You can typically reduce sugar by up to 25 percent without significantly affecting texture. Beyond that, you may notice changes in browning, moisture, and structure since sugar plays a role in all three. Start with a small reduction and adjust to taste.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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