This Ain't Your Mama's Banana Pudding
When you think of banana pudding, you probably think of a classic Southern dessert that's sweet and satisfying. But what if we told you there was a way to take this old-fashioned dessert to the next level? With a few tweaks and additions, you can make a banana pudding that's truly "not your mama's."
Ingredients
To start, you'll need the usual ingredients for banana pudding: vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. But we're going to add a few extra ingredients to make it extra special. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 package of vanilla wafers
- 5-6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until evenly combined.
4. In a 9x13 inch dish, layer the vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.
5. Repeat with another layer of wafers, bananas, and pudding. Top with any remaining wafers and bananas.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. When ready to serve, scoop the pudding into individual bowls and garnish with extra whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers.
Variations
If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix up this classic dessert:
- Add a layer of chocolate or caramel sauce between the pudding and wafers for an extra burst of flavor.
- Try using different types of cookies or crackers instead of vanilla wafers, such as graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
- For a boozy twist, add a splash of rum or bourbon to the pudding mixture.
- Top with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion
By adding a few simple ingredients and trying out some creative variations, you can turn boring old banana pudding into a dessert that's truly special. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this "not your mama's" banana pudding is sure to be a hit.
