Grandma Ruby's Ultimate Banana Pudding
A classic banana pudding recipe with layers of creamy custard, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. This comforting dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Large serving dish (9x13 inch)
- Electric mixer (optional, for whipped cream)
Ingredients
Custard
- 4-6 medium, ripe bananas
- 1 box (12-16 oz) vanilla wafers
- 2-3 cups whole milk
- 4-6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream (Optional)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Custard
- Whisk together 1/2 cup milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan until smooth.
- Heat the remaining 1.5-2.5 cups of milk in a separate saucepan until steaming.
- Carefully pour about half of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper.
- Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan with the remaining hot milk and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until cold.
Assemble and Serve
- Slice ripe bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds just before assembling.
- Spread a thin layer of custard in a large serving dish, then layer with vanilla wafers, and top with sliced bananas.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of custard on top.
- Optionally, whisk heavy cream and powdered sugar in a cold bowl until stiff peaks form, and spread over the pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
Notes
For best results, make sure your bananas are ripe but not overly mushy. Chilling overnight truly enhances the flavors and texture of the pudding. You can adjust the amount of sugar in the custard and whipped cream to your taste. A touch of cinnamon can be added to the custard for an extra layer of flavor.