Recipe For Banana Pudding Made From Scratch
Banana pudding is a classic southern dessert that is loved by many. It is made up of layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a creamy custard, which is then topped with whipped cream or meringue. While many people opt for the convenience of using instant pudding mix, making banana pudding from scratch is much more delicious and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients
To make banana pudding from scratch, you will need:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups whole milk
- 8 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 box of vanilla wafers
- 5-6 ripe bananas
- Whipped cream or meringue for topping
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own banana pudding from scratch:
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly.
- Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks.
- Gradually stir in the hot milk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened again.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a 9x13 inch dish, layer the vanilla wafers and sliced bananas.
- Pour the custard over the wafers and bananas.
- Top with whipped cream or meringue and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when making banana pudding from scratch:
- Make sure to continually stir the custard mixture as it cooks to prevent it from burning on the bottom of the pan.
- For an extra creamy texture, use whole milk instead of low-fat or skim milk.
- For a more intense banana flavor, mash some of the sliced bananas into the custard mixture before pouring it over the wafers.
- Allow the pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to ensure it sets properly.
- If you’re feeling fancy, try making homemade whipped cream or meringue to top off your banana pudding.
In Conclusion
Homemade banana pudding is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. While making it from scratch may take a little more time than using instant pudding mix, the end result is well worth the effort. With layers of crispy wafers, sweet bananas, and a rich and creamy custard, this dessert is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
