Creamy Banana Pudding Recipe – American Special

Creamy Banana Pudding is a beloved American dessert that layers silky vanilla custard, ripe banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers into a nostalgic, comforting treat. The pudding base is smooth and rich, infused with vanilla and sweetened milk, while the fresh bananas offer fruity sweetness and texture contrast. As the dessert chills, the wafers soften slightly, marrying with the custard for a luscious, spoonable experience. Served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a go-to dessert for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy evenings when you want something sweet and soothing.

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Perform Time1 hr
  • Total Time1 hr 15 min

Creamy Banana Pudding Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) for topping
  • Optional: Whipped cream or chocolate shavings for garnish

Prepare the Bananas:

1

Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) pieces.

2

Place the banana slices in a bowl and set aside.

Make the Creamy Mixture:

3

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract.

4

If using, add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.

Prepare the Toppings:

5

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Combine Bananas and Cream:

6

Gently fold the banana slices into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.

Chill:

7

Transfer the banana mixture to serving dishes or a single large bowl.

Assemble the Pizza:

8

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill.

Serve:

9

Before serving, top with chopped nuts, additional whipped cream, or chocolate shavings if desired.

Recipe Notes:

  • Custard Consistency: Cook the vanilla custard to thick but still pourable; if it becomes too thick, whisk in a little milk to reach the desired creamy texture.

  • Banana Ripeness: Use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft—too ripe and they can become mushy, too firm and they won’t soften in the pudding.

  • Layering Technique: Layer vanilla wafers first, then custard, then banana slices, repeating for depth. Top with a final custard layer and a few wafer pieces for presentation.

  • Chilling Time: Chill the pudding for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and layers to set properly.

  • Serving & Topping Options: Serve with fresh banana slices or whipped cream on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel adds extra flair.