Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for old fashioned banana pudding! This delightful dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s a comforting hug from the past. I can still remember warm summer days spent at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of freshly made pudding would fill the air, and my heart would leap with excitement! The classic layers of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers create a symphony of textures and flavors that simply dance on your tongue. Trust me, there’s something magical about digging your spoon into that creamy goodness and savoring every bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, old fashioned banana pudding is the perfect dessert that brings everyone together and makes you feel right at home.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Alright, let’s gather all the goodies you’ll need for this luscious old fashioned banana pudding! Here’s the breakdown:
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced (trust me, the riper the better for sweetness!)
- 1 box of vanilla wafers (the classic choice, don’t skimp on these!)
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk works wonders for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (to sweeten that pudding just right)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch (this is what thickens our pudding to perfection)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (a little pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 3 egg yolks (they add richness, so don’t leave them out!)
- 2 tablespoons butter (because butter makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely vanilla aroma)
- 1 cup whipped cream (for the ultimate finishing touch!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, so you can enjoy the process of layering this delightful dessert!
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious old fashioned banana pudding together! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise it’ll be worth every second of your time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
First things first, grab a medium saucepan and combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together. In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks until smooth, then slowly add in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking. This is key, as it prevents the yolks from cooking too quickly. Once combined, pour this mixture into the saucepan with the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Now, place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. You want to keep the mixture moving to avoid any lumps or sticking to the bottom. It’ll take about 5-7 minutes to thicken up—watch for it to bubble gently and coat the back of a spoon. Once it reaches that velvety thickness, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ah, the smell is heavenly!
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Now comes the fun part—layering! In a serving dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Then, spoon some of that glorious pudding over the top. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with pudding on top. Don’t skimp on those layers; each bite deserves that perfect combination!
Step 4: Finish and Chill
For the final touch, spread 1 cup of whipped cream over the top layer of pudding. This adds such a delightful creaminess! Cover your dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time lets all those flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious!
Nutritional Information for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in our delightful old fashioned banana pudding! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider them as a general guide. Each serving of this creamy goodness generally contains about 250 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 40 grams of carbohydrates, including 20 grams of sugar, which is mostly from those sweet ripe bananas. It’s a treat, so enjoy every spoonful while being mindful of portion sizes! Remember, balance is key when indulging in this classic dessert.
Tips for Success
Creating the perfect old fashioned banana pudding is all about those little details! First off, make sure your bananas are just the right ripeness—look for some brown spots on the skin. That’s when they’re sweetest and most flavorful! When it comes to layering, don’t be stingy! Make sure each layer is generous; you want those delicious vanilla wafers and bananas to shine through in every bite. And here’s a tip: after chilling, let the pudding sit out for about 10 minutes before serving. This slight warming brings out the flavors even more! Trust me, the patience pays off when you dig into that creamy, dreamy delight. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t be surprised if it disappears fast!
Variations on Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to putting your own spin on old fashioned banana pudding! If you want to switch things up, consider using chocolate wafers instead of vanilla wafers for a delicious chocolate twist. You can even fold in some chocolate chips into the pudding mixture for an extra layer of decadence—yum! If you’re feeling fruity, try adding layers of strawberries or even raspberries along with the bananas. They add a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness perfectly. And for something really fun, why not add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce between the layers? It’ll elevate your pudding to a whole new level of indulgence. Get creative and make this classic dessert your own; I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this delightful old fashioned banana pudding, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! For a classic touch, you can’t go wrong with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing cup of tea. The warmth and slight bitterness of these beverages perfectly balance the creamy sweetness of the pudding. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—just imagine that creamy goodness melting into the layers of pudding!
And for those warmer days, a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea would be a fantastic complement. If you’re hosting, consider serving some light, fruity desserts like a berry tart or a citrus sorbet, which can cleanse the palate beautifully between bites. Whatever you choose, just know that old fashioned banana pudding shines brightest when shared with others, so gather your loved ones and enjoy!
FAQ About Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Can I use other types of bananas?
Absolutely! While I swear by good old ripe Cavendish bananas for their sweetness and creaminess, you can explore other varieties too. If you can find them, Red bananas or Lady Finger bananas can add a unique flavor twist. Just keep in mind that the riper the banana, the sweeter your pudding will be. So if you see those brown spots, grab ’em—they’re perfect for this recipe!
How long can I store old fashioned banana pudding?
Once you’ve whipped up this delightful dessert, you can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. However, I recommend enjoying it within the first couple of days for the best taste and texture. After that, the bananas can start to brown and the wafers may lose their crunch. So dig in and savor that creamy goodness while it’s at its best!
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
You bet! Old fashioned banana pudding is actually a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the pudding base a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just layer it with the bananas and wafers right before you plan to serve it. This way, everything stays fresh and delicious! Just remember to keep it chilled until it’s time to enjoy, and don’t forget that final layer of whipped cream for a fabulous finish!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out this strawberry banana pudding recipe!
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Old Fashioned Banana Pudding: 7 Comforting Memories in Each Bite
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic old fashioned banana pudding made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and add milk gradually.
- Combine the milk mixture with the dry ingredients in the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Chill before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Feel free to add more layers if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: old fashioned banana pudding
