Classic Banana Pudding

This creamy, nostalgic dessert layers sweet vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and buttery vanilla wafers for the ultimate comfort food treat.

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole milk
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup cornstarch
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 4 egg yolks large
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 12 oz vanilla wafers box
• 5 ripe bananas sliced
• 0 whipped cream store-bought or homemade

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble.
3. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly temper the yolks by adding a ladleful of the hot milk mixture while whisking continuously.
4. Gradually pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens further.
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Let the pudding cool slightly, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
6. In a large trifle dish, casserole dish, or individual serving cups, layer vanilla wafers across the bottom.
7. Add a layer of banana slices, followed by a layer of pudding.
8. Repeat layers (wafers, bananas, pudding) until you’ve used all the ingredients, ending with pudding on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
9. Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with crumbled vanilla wafers or a few banana slices for decoration.