Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Paula Deen's Banana Pudding: A Southern Comfort Food Classic

Are you ready to dive into a creamy, dreamy dessert that's as comforting as a warm hug? Then get ready to make Paula Deen's Banana Pudding, a recipe that's as iconic as the South itself! This isn't just a dessert; it's a taste of tradition, a slice of nostalgia, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get baking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. However, the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste, so don't shy away from using the best you can find!

• For the Vanilla Wafer Base:

  • 2 sleeves vanilla wafers (approximately 36 wafers)
  • 1/2 cup milk

• For the Creamy Filling:

  • 4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Banana Layer:

  • 6-8 ripe bananas, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Vanilla Wafer Base

1. Soak the Wafers: Gently dip each vanilla wafer into the milk, ensuring they're lightly coated but not soggy. This step adds moisture and prevents the wafers from becoming too dry.
2. Layer the Wafers: Arrange a single layer of soaked vanilla wafers in the bottom of your chosen dish (a 9x13 inch baking dish works perfectly). You might need to trim a few wafers to fit neatly.

Making the Dreamy Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture.
2. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain the airiness of the whipped cream.

Assembling the Banana Pudding Masterpiece

1. Layer the Bananas: Spread half of the sliced bananas evenly over the wafer layer.
2. Add the Creamy Filling: Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the bananas.
3. Repeat the Layers: Repeat layers with remaining wafers, bananas, and whipped cream, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set beautifully. This chilling time is key for the ultimate flavor experience.

Tips for Banana Pudding Perfection:

• Banana Ripeness: Use ripe, but not overripe, bananas for optimal flavor and sweetness.
• Whipping the Cream: Make sure your bowl and beaters are cold for best whipping results.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cream filling can lead to a dense texture.
• Presentation Matters: Garnish your banana pudding with extra vanilla wafers, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.

Variations to Explore:

• Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add melted chocolate chips to the cream filling.
• Nilla Wafer Variation: Use Nilla wafers instead of vanilla wafers for a similar delicious outcome.

This Paula Deen-inspired banana pudding recipe is a guaranteed hit. Remember to adjust sweetness based on your taste preferences. Enjoy the creamy, dreamy satisfaction of this Southern classic! Let us know how yours turns out in the comments below!