How to make REAL Banana Pudding!

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: whipped topping

Coconut cream adds richness with fewer calories.

vanilla pudding mix

🥗Healthier: homemade custard

💰Cheaper: instant pudding

Homemade custard enhances flavor without preservatives.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds sweetness with a unique flavor.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: almond extract

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor.

Using a mixer with a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Set aside this luscious whipped cream for later.

In a pot over medium-low heat, combine the milk and egg yolks. Whisk them together until well combined.

Gradually add the sugar, salt, and flour to the mixture. Keep whisking until thoroughly combined. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring often until it thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency. This process ensures a smooth, creamy pudding texture.

Once it's reached the desired consistency, add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the flavors meld.

Allow the pudding to cool for about 5 minutes. Afterward, gently fold in the prepared whipped cream. This addition enhances the pudding's silkiness and lightness.

In a suitable baking dish, start by creating a layer of Nilla Wafer cookies at the base.

Slice the bananas and arrange them over the cookie layer, creating a delightful fruity contrast.

Spoon a generous layer of the prepared pudding mixture atop the bananas, creating a harmonious trinity of flavors.

Repeat these layers, alternating between cookies, bananas, and pudding until the dish is filled, culminating in a beautiful dessert canvas. Cover the pudding dish and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens