Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding -

Ingredients

For the Pudding

For the Assembly

Preparation

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 8–10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
Gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Slowly add the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, continuing to stir.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thickened and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Add the banana extract, if using, for an extra layer of banana flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Banana Pudding

In a 9×9-inch or similar-sized serving dish, layer vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom of the dish.
Top the cookies with a layer of sliced bananas.
Spoon half of the prepared pudding over the bananas and cookies, smoothing it out into an even layer.
Repeat with another layer of cookies, bananas, and pudding.

Step 3: Top and Chill

If using whipped cream, spread a generous layer over the top of the pudding.
Alternatively, you can top it with meringue for a classic finish (see below).
Refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and chill.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, serve the banana pudding in individual bowls or scoops from the dish. Enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or meringue on top!

Tips for Success

Banana Freshness: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.
Thickening Tip: If your pudding is too thin, return it to the heat and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Meringue Topping: For a traditional meringue topping, beat 3 egg whites with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pudding and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.

Variations

Chocolate Banana Pudding: Layer the pudding with chocolate wafer cookies instead of vanilla, or drizzle melted chocolate over the layers for a chocolatey twist.
Coconut Banana Pudding: Sprinkle shredded coconut between the layers for added texture and flavor.
No-Bake Version: Use instant vanilla pudding mix for a quicker, no-cook alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

Comforting Classic: A nostalgic dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and full of banana goodness.
Layers of Flavor: The combination of bananas, vanilla wafers, and pudding is unbeatable.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process make this dessert a crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy!