Banana Pudding With Jello And Nilla Wafers
Banana pudding with Jello and Nilla wafers is a classic Southern dessert that is loved by many. This deliciously creamy dessert is perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to family dinners. It is so easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
The Origins Of Banana Pudding
Banana pudding has been a beloved dessert in America since the early 1900s. It is believed to have been created by Southern cooks who wanted to use up leftover ingredients. The original banana pudding recipe was made with vanilla wafers, bananas, and a cooked custard. The custard was made from sugar, flour, eggs, and milk, and it was cooked on the stove until it was thickened.
Over time, different variations of banana pudding were introduced, including adding pudding mix and Jello to the recipe. These additions made the dessert even easier to make and gave it a creamier texture.
The Ingredients You Will Need
Here are the ingredients you will need to make banana pudding with Jello and Nilla wafers:
- 1 (5.1 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups of cold milk
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3.4 oz) package of instant banana cream pudding mix
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 (12 oz) container of frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (12 oz) box of Nilla wafers
How To Make Banana Pudding With Jello And Nilla Wafers
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it is time to make banana pudding with Jello and Nilla wafers. Follow these simple steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese to the pudding mixture and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the banana cream pudding mix and cold water to the pudding mixture and beat until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until you have used all of the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips For Making The Perfect Banana Pudding
Here are some tips for making the perfect banana pudding:
- Make sure your bananas are ripe but not too ripe. Overripe bananas will turn mushy and brown in the pudding.
- Use cold ingredients. Cold milk, whipped topping, and heavy cream will help the pudding set up faster.
- Layer the Nilla wafers in a single layer, making sure they touch each other. This will help them soften and absorb the pudding.
- Let the pudding chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the pudding set up and become firmer.
- Top the pudding with whipped cream and additional Nilla wafers before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
Banana pudding with Jello and Nilla wafers is a classic Southern dessert that is loved by many. It is easy to make, requires just a few simple ingredients, and is perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps and tips for making the perfect banana pudding and impress your family and friends with this delicious dessert!