Easy Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe With Vanilla Wafers

Southern charm meets sweet nostalgia in this Paula deen banana pudding that whispers comfort from the first creamy bite.

Generations of families have gathered around tables, anticipating this classic dessert’s rich, layered magic.

Soft vanilla wafers nestle between silky pudding and ripe banana slices, creating a texture that dances between crisp and smooth.

Each spoonful carries memories of grandmother’s kitchen and summer gatherings where dessert meant connection.

Rich, velvety pudding transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Creamy layers promise a dessert experience that transcends mere sweetness, inviting you to savor every decadent moment: prepare to fall in love.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

• Strategically Slice Bananas: Cut ripe bananas into uniform, quarter-inch thick rounds to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout each spoonful.
• Prevent Wafer Sogginess: Place wafers at an angle instead of flat to maintain their crunch and prevent complete saturation from pudding layers.
• Control Pudding Thickness: Whisk pudding mix and milk slowly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, rich consistency that holds its shape perfectly.
• Optimize Chilling Technique: Refrigerate pudding covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming and keep layers fresh.
• Select Premium Ingredients: Choose perfectly ripe bananas with minimal brown spots and high-quality vanilla wafers for maximum flavor complexity.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

• Seal Tightly: Transfer the banana pudding to a glass or ceramic container with a secure, leak-proof lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Wrap the container with plastic wrap for an extra layer of protection against air exposure.
• Freeze Wisely: Portion the pudding into individual serving containers before freezing to preserve texture and make thawing easier. Store frozen banana pudding for up to 2 weeks, understanding that the wafer cookies might soften slightly upon defrosting.
• Quick Consumption: Enjoy the pudding within 48 hours for optimal taste and texture. Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs during refrigeration, which helps restore the creamy consistency and distribute ingredients evenly.

Creative Twists for Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

• Chocolate Banana Bliss: Sprinkle cocoa powder into the pudding mixture and add chocolate chips between layers for a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Tropical Coconut Dream: Replace some milk with coconut milk, garnish with toasted coconut flakes, and add a hint of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top, and create a more textured, indulgent banana pudding experience.
• No-Bake Cheesecake Fusion: Blend cream cheese into the pudding mixture for a tangy, creamy texture that transforms the classic dessert into a no-bake cheesecake-style treat.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

Southern charm meets sweet nostalgia in Paula Deen’s classic banana pudding.

Creamy layers of rich pudding, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers create a dessert that whispers comfort and tradition.

Generations of families have gathered around this magical treat, sharing laughter and memories between each delightful spoonful.

Southern kitchens sparkle with this simple yet irresistible recipe that connects hearts through culinary love.

Readers can savor this timeless dessert as a delicious reminder of home-cooked happiness.

Share this delightful recipe with friends, spread joy through social media comments, and let Paula Deen’s banana pudding become your next delectable adventure.

Why Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers is a Classic Dessert

• Indulge in Layered Comfort: This banana pudding delivers pure Southern-style dessert happiness with its perfectly balanced creamy texture and nostalgic flavor combination that transports you to childhood memories.
• Quick and Foolproof Preparation: Requiring just an hour of total time and simple whisking techniques, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced home cooks to create a delectable dessert without complicated steps or professional skills.
• Versatile Party Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer celebrations, this dessert offers crowd-pleasing appeal with its classic vanilla wafer crunch, smooth pudding base, and fresh banana slices that everyone from kids to grandparents will adore.
• Customizable Make-Ahead Magic: Easily prepared in advance and chilling for enhanced flavor melding, this dessert allows stress-free entertaining where you can assemble earlier and simply pull from the refrigerator when guests arrive, making party planning a breeze.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

• Milk: Essential liquid base for creating smooth, creamy pudding texture.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Quick-setting mix that provides rich vanilla flavor and thickens the dessert.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and contributes to creamy consistency.

• Bananas: Ripe, yellow bananas with minimal brown spots provide natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Vanilla Wafers: Classic crisp cookies that add delightful crunch and traditional banana pudding character.

• Whipped Topping: Light, airy ingredient that creates a fluffy and smooth dessert texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, classic vanilla notes.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

Step 1: Gather Your Baking Essentials

• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Cold milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Container whipped topping, thawed
• Box vanilla wafers
• Ripe bananas, sliced
• Optional: Extra wafers for topping

Step 2: Whip Up the Pudding Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine cold milk and pudding mix. Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Create a Silky Smooth Mixture

Gently stir in the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavor Profile

Add vanilla extract and carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping, creating a light and airy mixture.

Step 5: Build Your Delicious Layers

• Start with a layer of vanilla wafers
• Add a layer of fresh banana slices
• Pour a generous layer of pudding mixture

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients, ending with a pudding layer on top.

Step 6: Chill and Prepare to Indulge

Refrigerate the pudding for at least 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly. For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed wafers on top just before serving.

Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe With Vanilla Wafers Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s legendary banana pudding brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with creamy layers of homemade custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers. Sweet memories and rich flavors meld together, inviting you to savor each delightful spoonful of this classic Southern treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 14 small bananas, sliced or to taste
• 1 (16 ounce / 453 grams) package vanilla wafers

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold milk
• 1 (14 ounce / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 ounce / 340 grams) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Flavoring and Thickening Agents:

• 1 (5 ounce / 142 grams) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Organize all required components on a clean work surface, ensuring precise measurements of milk, pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, whipped topping, vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas.
2. Pour 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) of cold milk into a spacious mixing bowl, then vigorously whisk the pudding mix for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
3. Incorporate the sweetened condensed milk, stirring thoroughly to create a seamless, silky texture that blends harmoniously with the pudding base.
4. Gently fold in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy mixture.
5. Carefully integrate the thawed whipped topping, using delicate folding motions to maintain the light, airy structure of the dessert.
6. Select a clear glass serving vessel to showcase the beautiful layers of the pudding.
7. Create the first layer by arranging crisp vanilla wafers along the bottom of the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Strategically place thin, uniform banana slices atop the wafer foundation, covering the entire surface.
9. Delicately spoon the prepared pudding mixture over the banana layer, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
10. Repeat the layering process – wafers, bananas, pudding – until all ingredients are utilized, finishing with a generous pudding topping.
11. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
12. Before serving, garnish with additional crushed vanilla wafers for a delightful textural contrast and visual appeal.

Notes

• Chilling transforms the pudding’s flavor profile, letting ingredients meld into a harmonious dessert experience.
• Cold milk creates a smoother, more stable pudding base with superior texture and rich consistency.
• Fully thawed whipped topping ensures silky, even blending throughout the creamy mixture.
• Layering bananas moments before serving preserves their fresh, bright color and prevents unsightly browning.
• Transparent glass bowls showcase beautiful, appetizing layers that make the dessert visually irresistible.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 416 kcal
• Sugar: 39.7 g
• Sodium: 455.6 mg
• Fat: 13.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 67.1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 8.1 g
• Cholesterol: 52.4 mg