The Pioneer Woman’s Quick & Dreamy Banana Pudding Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s banana pudding whispers sweet memories of southern comfort and classic home-style desserts.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy, nostalgic treat that transforms simple ingredients into magic.

Rich layers of silky pudding, crisp cookies, and soft fruit create a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations have passed down techniques for crafting this delightful confection with love and care.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Homemade puddings carry a special charm that store-bought versions cannot replicate.

Families gather around this dessert, sharing stories and creating moments of pure joy: dive in and savor every delicious bite.

Delicious Variations of Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding Recipe

• Tropical Banana Bliss: Enhance the classic recipe by adding diced pineapple and toasted coconut flakes between pudding layers for a vibrant island-inspired flavor profile.
• Chocolate Banana Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the pudding base and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings between layers to create a rich, decadent dessert experience.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between layers and top with chopped pecans or almonds for an added texture and deep, buttery undertone.
• Spiced Banana Comfort: Mix ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the pudding mixture, creating a warm, cozy version perfect for autumn gatherings.

Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding Recipe: A Creamy, Sweet Delight

Indulgent banana pudding emerges as classic southern comfort with Pioneer Woman’s signature twist.

Rich layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers create nostalgic harmony.

Meringue crowns this dessert with elegant peaks of sweet complexity.

Silky textures and balanced flavors make each spoonful a delightful journey through culinary tradition.

Family gatherings suddenly feel more special with this memorable treat gracing tables.

Southern charm meets sweet perfection – when creamy dreams become delicious reality, you’ll discover pure dessert magic that sparks conversation, warms hearts, and invites shared moments of pure joy.

Curious souls: share this recipe, sprinkle love through comments, and let sweet memories connect us all.

What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding Recipe a Crowd-Pleasing Classic

• Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful: Experience a silky-smooth banana pudding that melts luxuriously in your mouth, delivering a rich and indulgent dessert experience with each delightful bite.
• Layered Texture Adventure: Enjoy a delectable combination of soft vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, and fresh banana slices that create a perfect balance of crunch, smoothness, and fruity sweetness in every layer.
• Homemade Southern Charm: Capture the essence of classic Southern dessert-making with this nostalgic recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat perfect for family gatherings and potluck celebrations.

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding Recipe

• Sugar: Sweet foundation for the pudding, common granulated type works best.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth pudding consistency.
• 2% Milk: Creamy liquid base providing rich texture and flavor.

• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the pudding, use fresh large eggs.
• Egg Whites: Creates light and fluffy meringue topping, room temperature recommended.

• Butter: Enhances richness and provides smooth finish to pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor, pure extract preferred over imitation.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites for better meringue structure.
• Vanilla Wafers: Provides crunchy layer and traditional banana pudding texture.
• Bananas: Fresh, ripe fruit adding natural sweetness and classic flavor.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dry Base

Mix sugar and all-purpose flour in a saucepan, creating a smooth dry foundation for your pudding.

Step 2: Create Milk Mixture

Pour of 2% milk into the saucepan, whisking continuously to blend dry ingredients completely without forming lumps.

Step 3: Cook Pudding Base

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it thickens and bubbles. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Temper Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, gently beat 2 large egg yolks. Slowly add hot milk mixture to warm the yolks without scrambling them.

Step 5: Combine Pudding Elements

Return tempered yolks to the saucepan, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil for 2 additional minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until butter melts completely and blends smoothly.

Step 7: Build Delicious Layers

• 1/3 vanilla wafers
• Sliced bananas
• Pudding mixture

Repeat layering process twice for maximum flavor.

Step 8: Create Fluffy Meringue Topping

• Cream of tartar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks develop.

Step 9: Finish and Bake

Spread meringue over final pudding layer, sealing edges of the dish. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until meringue turns golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Chill

Allow pudding to cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to enhance flavors and set perfectly.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding Recipe

• Slice Strategically: Cut bananas precisely to 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring each layer bakes evenly and delivers consistent banana goodness in every mouthwatering spoonful.
• Whip with Precision: Bring egg whites to room temperature before whipping, guaranteeing a cloud-like meringue that transforms your dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Prevent Pudding Panic: Stir milk mixture constantly while cooking, actively blocking lumps and creating a silky-smooth base that will make your taste buds dance.
• Grease for Greatness: Lightly coat your baking dish with butter or cooking spray, creating a non-stick surface that releases layers effortlessly and keeps presentation pristine.
• Temperature Matters: Monitor stovetop heat carefully, allowing gentle cooking that develops rich flavors without scorching or separating delicate ingredients.

How to Keep Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding Recipe Fresh

• Seal Tight: Wrap the pudding closely with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the meringue's surface to block moisture and preserve its pristine peaks. This trick prevents weeping and maintains the dessert's dreamy appearance.
• Chill Quick: Slide the banana pudding into the refrigerator's coolest section, keeping it at a steady 40°F or below. Consume within 72 hours for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring each spoonful remains as delightful as the first.
• Avoid Freezing: Skip the freezer entirely – frozen banana pudding turns into a soggy, separated mess. Meringue will dissolve, bananas become mushy, and the creamy layers lose their magical consistency. Enjoy fresh or discard after the recommended storage time.

Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s banana pudding brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with creamy layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and silky custard. Rich flavors and nostalgic textures invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic American treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 medium ripe bananas, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 36 vanilla wafers
• 2 cups 2% milk

Filling and Base Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Meringue Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3 tablespoons sugar

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Instructions

1. Assemble the dry foundation by whisking 170 grams (3/4 cup) of granulated sugar with 40 grams (1/3 cup) of all-purpose flour in a medium saucepan.
2. Pour 480 milliliters (2 cups) of 2% milk into the saucepan, using a whisk to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.
3. Position the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble vigorously.
4. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 minutes, maintaining a consistent stirring motion.
5. Crack and lightly beat 2 large egg yolks in a separate mixing bowl, preparing them for tempering.
6. Gradually introduce a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking rapidly to prevent direct cooking.
7. Carefully return the tempered egg yolks to the saucepan, stirring continuously to integrate completely.
8. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to stir for an additional 2 minutes before removing from heat.
9. Incorporate 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of unsalted butter and 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of pure vanilla extract, stirring until the butter melts entirely.
10. Create a base layer of vanilla wafers in a 20-centimeter (8-inch) square baking dish, followed by a layer of thinly sliced bananas and a portion of the pudding mixture.
11. Repeat the layering process two more times, ensuring even distribution of wafers, bananas, and pudding.
12. Separate 2 large egg whites for the meringue topping, adding 0.6 milliliters (1/8 teaspoon) of cream of tartar and an extra 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of vanilla extract.
13. Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add 45 grams (3 tablespoons) of granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
14. Spread the meringue evenly over the final pudding layer, ensuring it touches the edges of the baking dish to create a complete seal.
15. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and bake the pudding for 12-15 minutes until the meringue turns a golden brown color.
16. Remove from the oven and allow the pudding to cool completely on a wire rack for 1 hour.
17. Refrigerate the pudding for a minimum of 3 hours to set and enhance the flavor before serving chilled.

Notes

• Serve chilled to achieve the most refreshing and perfectly set pudding consistency, allowing flavors to intensify.
• Make ahead to give layers time to meld together, creating a more harmonious and deeply satisfying dessert experience.
• Layer ingredients with care, ensuring each spoonful contains a balanced mix of creamy pudding, crisp wafers, and ripe bananas.
• Temper egg yolks gently to maintain a silky-smooth custard texture without risking unwelcome scrambled bits.
• Select ripe, spotted bananas that promise maximum natural sweetness and rich, deep flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 52 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg