Description
Ina Garten’s classic banana pudding delivers Southern comfort with creamy vanilla custard layered between ripe bananas and crisp vanilla wafers. Rich, nostalgic flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this beloved dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 fresh bananas
- 1 11 ounces (311 grams) vanilla wafers
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold milk
- 1 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (3.4 ounces or 96 grams each) instant vanilla pudding packages
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk (236 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces) in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth and thickened consistency through continuous beating.
- Incorporate the sweetened condensed milk into the pudding mixture, blending thoroughly until perfectly integrated and uniform.
- In a separate chilled bowl, vigorously whip the heavy whipping cream (236 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces) until stiff, stable peaks emerge, indicating optimal volume and texture.
- Gently fold approximately two-thirds of the whipped cream into the pudding base, using delicate circular motions to maintain the cream’s airy structure without deflating its volume.
- Blend the powdered sugar into the remaining whipped cream, creating a luxurious sweetened topping, and temporarily store in the refrigerator.
- Create the first foundation layer by carefully positioning vanilla wafers across the bottom of the serving dish, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Arrange a uniform layer of fresh banana slices directly atop the wafer foundation, guaranteeing complete surface distribution.
- Delicately spoon the prepared pudding mixture over the banana layer, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
- Repeat the layering sequence: wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture, continuing until all ingredients are utilized, typically resulting in three to four distinct layers.
- Crown the dessert with the reserved sweetened whipped cream, creating an elegant and inviting presentation.
- Refrigerate the completed dessert for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to meld and the pudding to set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Southern hospitality shines through in this beloved dessert that turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
- Layering ingredients with care creates a stunning visual and taste experience that celebrates classic comfort food.
- Refrigeration transforms basic components into a decadent treat with deep, harmonious flavor profiles.
- Minimal kitchen skills required, making this dessert accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
- Versatile recipe welcomes creative twists and personal touches that make each batch unique and memorable.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg