Description
A nostalgic, no-bake Southern dessert featuring layers of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers that soften into cake-like pockets. This easy, make-ahead treat is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6–8 medium ripe bananas
- 1 package vanilla wafers (about 40–50 cookies)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Peel and slice bananas into quarter-inch rounds. Toss with a little lemon juice if not assembling immediately to prevent browning.
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and cornstarch. Add 1 cup of milk slowly to create a smooth paste, then add remaining milk and egg yolks, whisking until smooth.
- Place pot over medium heat and whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled pudding mixture until combined and fluffy.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow wafers to soften.
Notes
Do not rush the cooking process; whisk constantly to prevent lumps or scrambled eggs. Use ripe bananas that are yellow with brown spots, not green or black. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to prevent curdling. The pudding must chill for at least 4 hours for the wafers to soften properly. This recipe does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice/scoop
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: banana pudding, southern dessert, vanilla wafers, no-bake, make-ahead dessert, custard, comfort food