Banana Pudding Made With Eagle Brand Milk
Are you looking for a sweet and creamy dessert that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further than banana pudding made with Eagle Brand milk! This classic Southern recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we'll show you how to make this delectable dessert step-by-step, and give you tips on how to customize it to your liking.
The History of Banana Pudding
Banana pudding has its roots in Southern cuisine, and it's been a beloved dessert in the region for generations. Some historians believe that banana pudding evolved from English trifle, a layered dessert made with cake, fruit, and custard. The first written recipe for banana pudding appeared in a cookbook in the late 1800s, and it's been a staple of Southern kitchens ever since.
The Ingredients You Need
The beauty of banana pudding is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to make a delicious dessert:
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (we recommend Eagle Brand)
- 1 1/2 cups of cold water
- 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 box of vanilla wafers
- 4 ripe bananas
That's it! You may already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, which makes banana pudding a great last-minute dessert option.
How to Make Banana Pudding
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to get started on the banana pudding. Follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until well combined.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk until smooth. Let the mixture sit for about 2 minutes to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until no streaks remain.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with vanilla wafers.
- Slice the bananas and layer them on top of the wafers.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add another layer of vanilla wafers and bananas on top of the pudding mixture.
- Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the top of the wafers and bananas, spreading it evenly.
- Crumble a few vanilla wafers over the top of the pudding for added texture, if desired.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Customizing Your Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a versatile dessert that you can customize to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Try using different types of cookies: Vanilla wafers are traditional, but you can also use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate chip cookies.
- Switch up the pudding flavor: Vanilla pudding is classic, but you can experiment with different flavors like chocolate, banana cream, or butterscotch.
- Add toppings: Whipped cream, crushed cookies, and sliced bananas are all popular toppings for banana pudding. You could also try sprinkling chopped nuts, drizzling caramel sauce, or adding a dollop of peanut butter.