Name: Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 1½ cups cold water; 3⅕ oz package instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups heavy cream; 3 Bananas; ½ cup lemon juice; 36 vanilla wafers

Dive into this easy banana pudding recipe that combines rich, creamy layers with the sweetness of bananas. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Photos of Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

If you don't usually stock sweetened condensed milk or instant vanilla pudding mix, make sure to grab them at the supermarket. These ingredients are essential for achieving the creamy texture and delicious flavor of this banana pudding.

Ingredients For Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture to the pudding.

Water: Helps dissolve the pudding mix and blend with the condensed milk.

Instant vanilla pudding mix: Provides the base flavor for the pudding, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Heavy cream: Whips into stiff peaks to add a light, airy texture to the pudding.

Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and a fruity flavor to the layers.

Lemon juice: Prevents the sliced bananas from browning and adds a hint of tartness.

Vanilla wafers: Adds a crunchy texture that complements the creamy pudding layers.

One reader, Cheri Banda says:

This easy banana pudding recipe is a hit! The creamy texture and perfect blend of flavors make it irresistible. The lemon juice keeps the bananas fresh, and the vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch. A must-try for any dessert lover!

Cheri Banda

Techniques Required for Making Banana Pudding

How to whip cream: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This means the cream will hold its shape when the beaters are lifted.

How to fold whipped cream: Gently combine the whipped cream with the pudding mixture by using a spatula to lift and fold the ingredients together. This helps maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream.

How to dip bananas in lemon juice: Slice the bananas and dip them into a bowl of lemon juice to prevent browning. Shake off any excess lemon juice before using the bananas in the recipe.

How To Make Easy Banana Pudding

This banana pudding is made with layers of sweet whipped cream, vanilla wafers, and banana slices, chilled for an easy, flavorful dessert.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 20 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

14ozsweetened condensed milk
1½cupscold water
3⅕ozpackage instant vanilla pudding mix,1 package
2cupsheavy cream
3bananas,sliced
½cuplemon juice
36vanilla wafers

Instructions

In a medium bowl, stir together condensed milk and water. Beat in pudding mix until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold whipped cream into chilled pudding mixture.
Dip sliced bananas in lemon juice, then shake off excess.
In a 2½-quart serving bowl, spoon 1 cup of the pudding mixture. Top with 12 wafers, ⅓ of the bananas and the remaining pudding. Repeat layers twice.
Chill until serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 384.64kcal
Fat: 21.21g
Saturated Fat: 11.91g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.05g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.12g
Carbohydrates: 46.23g
Fiber: 1.14g
Sugar: 29.92g
Protein: 4.55g
Cholesterol: 65.59mg
Sodium: 222.67mg
Calcium: 128.07mg
Potassium: 286.65mg
Iron: 0.56mg
Vitamin A: 188.45µg
Vitamin C: 7.55mg

Crucial Technique for Achieving Perfect Banana Pudding Consistency

To achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy texture for your banana pudding, make sure to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the pudding mixture. This will ensure that the pudding is light and airy, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel. Additionally, dipping the banana slices in lemon juice not only prevents browning but also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the dessert.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Easy Banana Pudding

Use pre-made whipped cream: Save time by using store-bought whipped cream instead of whipping your own.

Pre-slice bananas: Slice the bananas ahead of time and store them in lemon juice to prevent browning.

Layer efficiently: Arrange all your ingredients on the counter before starting to layer the pudding.

Chill faster: Use a shallow dish to chill the pudding mixture faster in the refrigerator.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with evaporated milk and sugar: Mix evaporated milk with sugar to achieve a similar sweetness and consistency.
cold water - Substitute with milk: Using milk instead of water can make the pudding richer and creamier.
instant vanilla pudding mix - Substitute with homemade vanilla pudding: Combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract to create a similar pudding base.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a similar texture and richness, with a slight coconut flavor.
bananas - Substitute with ripe plantains: Ripe plantains have a similar texture and sweetness to bananas.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
vanilla wafers - Substitute with graham crackers: Graham crackers provide a similar crunch and slightly sweet flavor.

Best Way to Present This Delightful Dessert

Use elegant glassware: Serve the banana pudding in individual martini glasses or parfait glasses to give it a sophisticated touch.
Layer with precision: Carefully layer the pudding mixture, vanilla wafers, and bananas to create distinct, even layers that are visually appealing.
Garnish with finesse: Top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a thin slice of banana dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning. Add a mint leaf for a pop of color.
Use a decorative plate: Place the glassware on a decorative dessert plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers around the base.
Add texture contrast: Include a small tuile cookie or a caramelized banana chip on the side for an added crunch and visual interest.
Serve chilled: Ensure the banana pudding is well-chilled before serving to maintain its structure and enhance the flavors.

Essential Tools for Making Banana Pudding

Medium bowl: Used to mix together the condensed milk and water, and to beat in the pudding mix.
Separate bowl: Needed for whipping the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Whisk: Useful for beating the pudding mix into the condensed milk and water until smooth.
Electric mixer: Ideal for whipping the heavy cream to achieve stiff peaks quickly and efficiently.
Spatula: Handy for folding the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture gently.
Knife: Necessary for slicing the bananas.
Small bowl: Used to hold the lemon juice for dipping the banana slices.
2½-quart serving bowl: The main bowl for layering the pudding, wafers, and bananas.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the condensed milk, water, and heavy cream.
Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring smaller quantities, such as the lemon juice.
Refrigerator: Needed to chill the pudding mixture and the final assembled dessert until serving.

Storing and Freezing Banana Pudding for Later

Storing: cover the banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and texture. Keep in mind that the longer the pudding sits, the softer the vanilla wafers will become.
Freezing: while it's possible to freeze banana pudding, it's not recommended as the texture and quality of the dessert may be compromised. The bananas can become mushy and discolored, and the whipped cream may separate and lose its fluffy consistency. However, if you still want to freeze it, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the pudding in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
2. Cover the surface of the pudding with a layer of plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the pudding to prevent ice crystals from forming.
3. Seal the container with an airtight lid and freeze for up to 1-2 months.
4. To thaw, transfer the frozen pudding to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Stir the pudding well before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
Pro tip: if you anticipate having leftovers, consider assembling individual servings of banana pudding in separate containers. This way, you can enjoy fresh portions without having to thaw and refreeze the entire dessert.

Interesting Trivia About Banana Pudding

A random fact about this recipe is that sweetened condensed milk adds a rich, creamy texture and enhances the sweetness of the banana pudding, making it a favorite in many Southern desserts.

Is Making Banana Pudding at Home Cost-Effective?

This banana pudding recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like bananas, vanilla wafers, and sweetened condensed milk are affordable and easily accessible. The use of heavy cream and instant vanilla pudding mix adds a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. Overall, this dessert scores a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD.

Is Banana Pudding Healthy or Unhealthy?

This banana pudding recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and heavy cream, which are all high in sugar and fat. The recipe also lacks any significant sources of fiber, protein, or nutrients.

However, with a few tweaks, this classic dessert can be made more nutritious without sacrificing taste:

Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a combination of unsweetened almond milk and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use a sugar-free, low-fat instant vanilla pudding mix or make your own pudding from scratch using cornstarch, milk, and vanilla extract
Swap the heavy cream for whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a protein boost
Increase the number of bananas to add more fiber and potassium
Opt for whole wheat vanilla wafers or crush up some graham crackers for a whole grain crust
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for healthy fats and extra crunch

By making these substitutions, you can create a banana pudding that still satisfies your sweet tooth while providing some nutritional benefits. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in the original recipe occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion on This Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

This banana pudding recipe is straightforward and accessible, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. The use of sweetened condensed milk and instant pudding mix ensures a rich, creamy texture with minimal effort. Whipping the cream adds a luxurious touch, while dipping the bananas in lemon juice prevents browning and adds a subtle tang. Layering the pudding with vanilla wafers and bananas creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Overall, it's a well-balanced, crowd-pleasing dessert that can be prepared quickly and easily, perfect for any occasion.

Enhance Your Easy Banana Pudding Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Complement the creamy, rich banana pudding with the smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple skewers. The caramelized edges and juicy interior will add a delightful contrast to your dessert experience.

Coconut Shrimp: Add a touch of the tropics to your meal with coconut shrimp. The crispy, golden exterior and succulent shrimp inside will provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet, velvety banana pudding.

Mango Salsa: Brighten up your dessert table with a vibrant mango salsa. The tangy mango, zesty lime, and a hint of cilantro will refresh your palate and enhance the flavors of the banana pudding.

Avocado and Tomato Salad: Balance the sweetness of the banana pudding with a creamy and tangy avocado and tomato salad. The ripe avocado and juicy tomatoes will provide a fresh, savory bite that pairs perfectly with your dessert.

Spiced Pecans: Add a crunchy, spiced element to your meal with spiced pecans. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors will harmonize beautifully with the creamy banana pudding, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Similar Desserts to Try If You Love Banana Pudding

Classic Tiramisu: Dive into the rich and creamy layers of mascarpone cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. This Italian delight is perfect for any dessert lover.

Strawberry Shortcake: Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender shortcake biscuits. A classic treat that never goes out of style.

Chocolate Mousse: Experience the velvety smoothness of dark chocolate combined with airy whipped cream. This decadent dessert is a chocolate lover's dream.

Peach Cobbler: Savor the warm, comforting taste of ripe peaches baked under a golden, buttery crust. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Enjoy the zesty brightness of lemon curd topped with a cloud of toasted meringue. This dessert is a perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Go Well with Banana Pudding

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine cremini mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Top them with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown. These bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to please. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Top each slice with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil for a burst of freshness. The combination of crunchy bread and juicy toppings makes this a perfect starter for any occasion.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Elevate your dinner with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful main course. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Delight your taste buds with Stuffed Bell Peppers. These vibrant bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, seasoned with onions, garlic, and a hint of cumin. Baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is perfectly cooked, this dish is a comforting and satisfying option for any dinner table. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple cucumber salad to round out the meal.

Why trust this Easy Banana Pudding Recipe:

This easy banana pudding recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a delightful dessert. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and instant vanilla pudding mix ensures a rich and creamy base, while the whipped cream adds a light, airy texture. The bananas dipped in lemon juice prevent browning and add a zesty twist. Layered with vanilla wafers, this dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's simple to make, yet impressively delicious, making it a trusted choice for any occasion.

Have you tried this easy banana pudding recipe? Share your experience and discuss any variations or tips in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is thicker and sweeter than regular milk, which is essential for the texture and flavor of this pudding.

How long should I chill the pudding before serving?

It's best to chill the pudding for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better to let the flavors meld together.

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of vanilla wafers?

Yes, you can use graham crackers or shortbread cookies if you prefer, but vanilla wafers are traditional and give the best texture.

What can I do if my whipped cream isn't forming stiff peaks?

Make sure your heavy cream is very cold, and try chilling your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. This helps the cream whip up better.

How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

Dipping the banana slices in lemon juice, as the recipe suggests, helps prevent browning. Make sure to shake off any excess lemon juice before layering them in the pudding.