Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a classic southern American dessert that consists of layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies. The dessert is typically topped with whipped cream or meringue and chilled in the refrigerator.

To make banana pudding, a custard-based vanilla pudding is prepared and allowed to cool. Sliced bananas are then added to the pudding and layered with vanilla wafer cookies in a serving dish or individual cups. Additional layers of pudding, bananas, and cookies are added until the dish is full. The pudding is then topped with whipped cream or meringue and chilled in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Banana pudding is a popular dessert in the southern United States and is often served at picnics, barbecues, and other gatherings. The dessert has a sweet, creamy texture and a delicious combination of vanilla, banana, and cookie flavors. It is a simple and delicious dessert that is loved by many people, especially during the hot summer months.

SERVINGS: 4

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes + 1 hour chilling time

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 4 cups milk
• 1 (3.4 oz.) package vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping, thawed
• 20 Nilla wafers

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel and mash 3 bananas in a large bowl. Reserve the fourth banana for slicing.
2. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour pudding mixture over mashed bananas and mix until well combined. Let cool to room temperature.
4. In a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) glass dish, layer half of the Nilla wafers, followed by half of the banana pudding mixture, and half of the whipped topping. Repeat layering.
5. Slice remaining banana and place on top of the pudding. Crush additional Nilla wafers, if desired, and sprinkle on top of the pudding.
6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until set.
7. Serve chilled.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
• For a sweeter pudding, add 2 tbsp. of sugar to the pudding mixture.
• Top with additional whipped topping, sliced bananas, and crumbled Nilla wafers, if desired.