Easy Banana Pudding Recipe with Condensed Milk: A Delicious Southern Comfort Food
This creamy, dreamy banana pudding recipe is a classic for a reason! It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Using sweetened condensed milk gives it that extra rich and decadent flavor that everyone loves. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this Southern staple!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Pudding:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Assembly:
- 1 package (16 ounces) vanilla wafers or Nilla wafers
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped, optional)
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Perfection
This recipe is broken down into simple steps, making it perfect for even beginner bakers. Follow along and you'll have a delicious banana pudding in no time!
Step 1: Making the Creamy Pudding Base
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups of milk, cornstarch, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps!
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs lightly. Slowly temper the eggs by adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and comes to a simmer. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don't let it boil!
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Assembling Your Banana Pudding Masterpiece
- In a large glass bowl or individual serving dishes, layer the ingredients: Start with a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Top with a layer of sliced bananas.
- Pour a layer of the cooled pudding over the bananas.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
Step 3: The Grand Finale (Optional)
Before serving, you can top your banana pudding with whipped heavy cream for an extra touch of elegance and deliciousness. A sprinkle of cinnamon is another nice touch!
Tips and Variations for Your Banana Pudding Adventure
- For a richer flavor: Use whole milk instead of 2% or skim milk.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to the pudding base for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Make it your own: Substitute vanilla wafers with other cookies like graham crackers or shortbread.
- Portion control: This recipe can easily be halved or doubled depending on the number of servings you need.
- Get creative with toppings: Consider adding chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or even a caramel drizzle.
Why This Banana Pudding Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe focuses on simplicity and deliciousness. The use of sweetened condensed milk provides a rich and creamy texture that’s hard to resist. It's the perfect dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy on a quiet evening. The step-by-step instructions make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, guaranteeing a successful and satisfying result every time. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why this banana pudding is a true classic!
