Grandmas Gold Classic Banana Wafer Pudding with a Chefs Kiss
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- Grandma's Gold: Classic Banana Wafer Pudding (With a Chef's Kiss)
- Why You'll Adore This Nilla Wafer Pudding
- The Key Ingredients for the Best Banana Pudding
- What You'll Need
- Simple Steps to Banana Wafer Pudding Bliss
- Grandma's Gold: Classic Banana Wafer Pudding (With a Chef's Kiss)
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Grandma's Gold: Classic Banana Wafer Pudding (With a Chef's Kiss)
- Recipe Notes for Your Dream Pudding
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something that tastes like childhood? This banana wafer pudding recipe is pure comfort. It's got the creamy goodness of banana pudding, but elevated.
Brief Overview
Banana wafer pudding is a classic dessert recipe with Southern roots. It's surprisingly easy, taking about 45 minutes to make plus chilling time.
This recipe makes 6-8 servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying all week.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this homemade pudding recipe is all about happiness. It's the ultimate comfort food dessert , perfect for family gatherings or a gloomy day.
The banana adds a touch of healthy, and it is an excelent banana dessert idea .
Grandma's Gold: Classic Banana Wafer Pudding (With a Chef's Kiss)
This is a love letter to the South. This nilla wafer pudding has creamy vanilla pudding, bananas, and crunchy wafers.
It's comforting and decadent. We use a from scratch pudding for amazing flavor.
Why You'll Adore This Nilla Wafer Pudding
This isn't your average easy banana pudding . We’re making a proper custard, not just dumping instant powder in milk!
Did you know the recipe for banana pudding dates back to the late 19th century? That's quite a culinary pedigree!
The Key Ingredients for the Best Banana Pudding
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12-ounce) box Nilla wafers
- 3-4 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- Optional: 1 cup heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Garnish: Nilla Wafers, banana slices, sprinkle of cinnamon
What You'll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Heatproof bowl
- Plastic wrap
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
Simple Steps to Banana Wafer Pudding Bliss
First, you'll make the pudding. Don't be scared! It's easier than you think. Then, you layer everything up. It’s so simple that you make another one!
Grandma's Gold: Classic Banana Wafer Pudding (With a Chef's Kiss)
This banana pudding recipe is like a hug in a bowl, isn't it? It’s a total love letter to the classic Southern dessert.
Our banana wafer pudding boasts layers of creamy, vanilla infused pudding, ripe bananas, and those iconic crunchy Nilla wafers . It’s a comforting and decadent symphony of textures and flavors.
We'll use a simple, from scratch pudding for maximum flavor. Honestly, it might just become your new favorite comfort food dessert .
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this vanilla wafer dessert ! Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward.
Main Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . Use regular granulated sugar, nothing fancy!
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g) . This is what helps thicken our pudding.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Whole milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Whole milk makes for the creamiest pudding. If you have to substitute, 2% will work, but full fat is best.
- Large egg yolks: 4 . These add richness and help thicken the pudding.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) . Adds a lovely sheen and flavor.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla. Trust me on this!
- Nilla wafers: 1 (12-ounce) box (about 450g) . The star of the show! Any vanilla wafer cookie will work, even if you can’t find the Nilla brand, but these are really the best
- Ripe bananas: 3-4 medium, sliced . Look for bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots. They should be fragrant and yield to gentle pressure.
- Optional: Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) , plus powdered sugar: 2 tablespoons (30g) . For whipping.
Seasoning Notes
For this classic dessert recipe , the magic is in the vanilla! Don't skimp on it. You can also add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the pudding for a little something extra.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of bourbon or rum can add a nice boozy kick. It’s a southern banana pudding thing, you know? For a great easy banana pudding , cinnamon to garnish is optional, it adds warm.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a ton of fancy stuff.
- Medium saucepan.
- Whisk.
- Heatproof bowl or container.
- Plastic wrap.
- 9x13 inch baking dish or trifle bowl.
- Electric mixer (optional, for whipping cream). A whisk will work too, but your arm might get tired!
That's it! Let's get started on this amazing homemade pudding recipe with banana dessert ideas that will knock your socks off! I swear, this will be the best banana wafer pudding you've ever tasted.
Grandma's Gold: Classic Banana Wafer Pudding (With a Chef's Kiss)
Right then, let's get cracking on this banana wafer pudding recipe! Honestly, is there anything more comforting? Think Grandma's kitchen, Sunday afternoons, and a big ol' dollop of nostalgia.
This is a love letter to that classic dessert recipe . We're aiming for creamy, banana-y, and utterly irresistible. With a touch of chefy polish for the modern home cook.
Get ready for some serious comfort food dessert .
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised, Shall We?
Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our mise en place sorted. Basically, chop your bananas, measure out your ingredients.
Have your Nilla wafers at the ready. Organisation is key, my friend, it will save you time later. Trust me, it's worth it.
Essential mise en place : Bananas sliced, ingredients measured. Time saving organization tips : Lay out all equipment before you start.
step-by-step: Pudding Perfection!
Here's the magic, one step at a time, lets transform this into the best banana pudding recipe .
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar , 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch , and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt .
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in 3 cups (710ml) whole milk until smooth. This prevents lumps!
- Temper the Yolks: Whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into 4 large egg yolks . This gently warms the yolks and prevents them from scrambling when added to the hot pot.
- Cook the Pudding: Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens, between 8- 10 minutes .
- Finish It Off: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon (15ml) vanilla extract .
- Cool It Down: Pour into a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and chill for at least 1 hour . This prevents a skin from forming.
- Layer Up : Arrange layers of Nilla wafers , sliced bananas, and pudding.
Pro Tips: Secrets from a Pro!
Want to take your nilla wafer pudding to the next level? Here’s the inside scoop on some expert tips.
- Banana Browning Be Gone! A little lemon juice on your banana slices keeps them looking fresh as a daisy.
- Wafer Wisdom: Don’t be shy with those wafers, they're the backbone!
- make-ahead Magic: This pudding is even better the next day, the flavours just meld beautifully. Make the easy banana pudding a day in advance.
Recipe Notes for Your Dream Pudding
Let's dive into some extra bits to make this banana wafer pudding absolutely spot on! Honestly, making a banana pudding recipe is easier than you think.
A perfect nilla wafer pudding is within your grasp, no sweat! It is truly one of the classic dessert recipes .
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Right, so you've made this amazing pudding. Now what? Think about layering it up prettily in individual glasses. It looks so much fancier.
You could even use a trifle bowl for a proper showstopper. Or just serve it straight out of the dish like Grandma did.
Don't forget the garnish! Arrange the extra banana slices. Stand nilla wafers upright for a touch of elegance. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm feel.
Honestly, it is one of the easiest banana dessert ideas .
To drink? This is a comfort food dessert , so a tall glass of sweet tea is ideal. Or, if you're feeling fancy, a shot of espresso works wonders.
Storing the Goods
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy banana pudding keeps well.
- Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be grand for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing it. The texture can change a bit. The wafers get soggy. Honestly, just eat it within those 3 days, yeah?
- Reheating: Just take it out of the fridge. Let it sit for a bit to lose the chill. The pudding is best served cold.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a change? Here are some ideas:
- Dietary Adaptations: To make a gluten-free version of this southern banana pudding , use gluten-free vanilla wafers. Also, use almond milk for a dairy-free from scratch pudding . Easy peasy!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, add a touch of pumpkin spice to the pudding. Oh my gosh it tastes so good.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence
Look, it's pudding. It's not exactly a health food. It is approximately 350-450 calories per serving. So, enjoy your vanilla wafer dessert in moderation.
It's got some protein and some calcium. Plus, bananas are a good source of potassium. This is a rough estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Don't worry about the numbers too much. Just enjoy a good old pudding! You've got this! This homemade pudding recipe will impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make banana wafer pudding ahead of time? Will the wafers get soggy?
Absolutely! In fact, banana wafer pudding is often even better the next day. The wafers will soften, but not in an unpleasant way. They'll become tender and cake like, melding with the pudding. If you're really worried about sogginess, add a layer of sliced bananas between the wafers and pudding to act as a barrier.
My pudding isn't thickening! What did I do wrong?
Don't panic! Pudding thickening issues are a common kitchen drama. It’s likely the cornstarch needs more time to activate. Ensure you're stirring constantly over medium heat, and be patient.
If it still refuses to thicken after a while, you can try mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold milk to create a slurry, then whisk that into the pudding and cook for a few more minutes. Remember, a watched pot never boils, so step away for a moment!
How can I prevent my bananas from turning brown in the banana wafer pudding?
Browning bananas are the bane of every baker's existence! A simple fix is to toss your banana slices in a little lemon juice (or even pineapple juice). The acidity will slow down oxidation. Also, try to assemble the pudding relatively close to serving time for the freshest looking results.
You can strategically arrange bananas between the wafers where they are not as exposed to air.
Can I make this banana wafer pudding dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes, you certainly can! To make it dairy-free, use a plant based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Just be sure to choose one that melts well. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free vanilla wafers.
There are some great brands available these days, so you won't be missing out on the flavor!
What's the best way to store leftover banana wafer pudding?
Store any leftover banana wafer pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, although the wafers will continue to soften. Just be aware that the bananas may continue to brown slightly over time, but the taste will still be fantastic.
Consider using the individual serving bowls if you plan to store the dessert longer than 24 hours.
Grandmas Gold Classic Banana Wafer Pudding With
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |