Banana Pudding From Scratch With Evaporated Milk
When it comes to desserts, few things are as satisfying as a creamy, homemade banana pudding. This classic Southern treat is beloved for its sweet, custard-like filling, tender vanilla wafers, and ripe, fresh bananas. While there are many variations of banana pudding out there, one of the most delicious and decadent is made from scratch with evaporated milk. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering dessert in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To create the perfect banana pudding from scratch, you'll need a handful of quality ingredients. Here's what you'll need to gather:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 box of vanilla wafers
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup of whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients on hand, it's time to start cooking! Here are the steps you'll need to follow:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, and egg yolks until well combined.
- Pour the milk mixture into the saucepan with the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
- Once the mixture has cooled slightly, it's time to start assembling your pudding. Start by adding a layer of vanilla wafers to the bottom of a large, deep dish.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the vanilla wafers.
- Pour a layer of the custard mixture over the bananas and wafers, making sure to spread it out evenly.
- Repeat this layering process, alternating between wafers, bananas, and custard, until you've used up all your ingredients. Be sure to end with a layer of custard on top.
- Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until it sets and becomes firm.
- When you're ready to serve your pudding, you can top it with a dollop of whipped cream (if desired) and a few extra vanilla wafers for garnish.
Variations
While this recipe is already pretty perfect, there are a few ways you can put your own spin on it. Here are a few variations to try:
- Use different types of cookies or crackers in place of vanilla wafers. Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate wafers would all be delicious options.
- Add a layer of caramel sauce or melted chocolate to the pudding for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Top the pudding with fresh whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Use different types of fruit in place of bananas, such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches.
Conclusion
Banana pudding from scratch with evaporated milk is a classic dessert that's easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a creamy, dreamy pudding that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it up at a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, we guarantee this recipe will become a fast favorite. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking!
