How to Make Banana Pudding from Scratch: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Nothing compares to the creamy, sweet comfort of banana pudding. This classic dessert has stayed popular for generations because it layers homemade vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s rich, silky, and full of flavor.

Preparing banana pudding from scratch might sound tricky, but it’s actually pretty easy when you follow the right steps. This homemade banana pudding recipe doesn’t use instant mixes or shortcuts—only real ingredients that come together to create a decadent, tasty treat. Whether you’re making it for a family celebration, a holiday party, or as a personal indulgence, this is the best banana pudding recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling)

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Great pudding starts with high-quality basics. This banana pudding recipe from scratch sticks to a few must-have items, each chosen to give your dessert that perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• Whipped cream or meringue (optional)

Try this if you want a simple banana pudding recipe loaded with the deep flavors of real pudding, made right in your own kitchen.

Instructions

Preparation

Before you cook, gather everything you need. Slice the bananas and set them aside. Measure out all your ingredients in advance. That small step keeps your workflow smooth and reduces the chance of mistakes.

Cooking

1. Place a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Keep stirring so lumps don’t form.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Add about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, stirring constantly. This gentle introduction of heat keeps the eggs from scrambling.
3. Slowly pour the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan. Whisk non-stop for around 5 minutes, or until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
4. Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the pudding is smooth.
5. Let it cool for about 5–10 minutes before you start assembling the layers.
6. In a serving dish, arrange layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and warm pudding. Keep repeating until you’ve used up all the ingredients.
7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the pudding’s surface. That way, a skin won’t form on top.
8. Put the dish in the fridge for at least 45 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Serving

Top everything off with whipped cream or meringue just before serving if you want an extra hint of sweetness.

For the freshest taste, finish it within 24 hours because the bananas can darken after a while.

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

If you’ve ever wondered, is banana pudding healthy, the short answer is that it’s definitely an indulgent dessert. Still, it offers potassium from the bananas and calcium from the milk. Here’s a rough snapshot of what you’re getting per serving:

Tips and Variations

This easy banana pudding recipe can fit different tastes and diets. Tweak it however you like:

• Lighten It Up: Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, and swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt.
• Crave a Crunch?: Crumble extra wafers on top just before serving for added texture.
• Want Deeper Flavor?: Sauté bananas with butter and a sprinkle of sugar before layering them in.

Curious about can you freeze banana pudding? You can, but be cautious. The bananas and wafers can get mushy after thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how to make banana pudding in a way that blends rich pudding, soft bananas, and crisp wafers for a truly comforting treat. This homemade banana pudding recipe works for family get-togethers, special events, or just a sweet personal reward. It’s a simple banana pudding recipe with a classic feel that’s stood the test of time. Try it today, and let this beloved dessert become a regular on your menu!