Grandmas Banana Wafer Pudding A Chefs Secret

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
2. Whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
3. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and comes to a simmer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the pudding into a heatproof bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. If using, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
7. In a baking dish or trifle bowl, create layers of Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding.
8. Decorate the top layer of the pudding with the remaining wafers and banana slices. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, or even better, overnight. This allows the wafers to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.