Grandma's Golden: Classic Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding

Alright, let's dive into the absolute classic: Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding . Honestly, who doesn't love this stuff? I have fond memories of family reunions filled with Banana Pudding Desserts

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wonder what pure comfort tastes like? Our nilla wafer banana pudding recipe is a no-bake dream. You will love its creamy vanilla flavor and that perfect banana wafer combo.

Brief Overview

This iconic dessert hails straight from american kitchens. it is a fast banana pudding and a family favourite! it is easy to make and requires minimal cooking (just the pudding!).

The no cook banana pudding recipe is a fantastic way to celebrate with friends and family. a single batch yields about 8-10 servings.

Main Benefits

Banana pudding offers potassium from bananas. it is awesome for potlucks or barbecues. what makes our recipe special? we use homemade vanilla pudding, ditching the instant stuff for a richer taste.

Oh my gosh.

From Humble Beginnings to Pudding Perfection

This recipe is an oldie, but a goodie. i think my grandma used to make a very similar homemade banana pudding with condensed milk .

The smell alone takes me back to summer days.

The Nilla Wafer Connection: A Love Story

Can we talk about Nilla Wafers? They are essential. They are just the right amount of sweet. You can't go wrong with Nilla Wafers in a pudding.

The Secret is in the Pudding (Homemade, Of Course!)

Don't even think about using instant pudding. seriously. a homemade banana pudding from scratch with evaporated milk is where it's at.

It takes a bit more time, but trust me, it is worth it.

Ingredients You'll Need (and a Few Swaps, If Needed)

Alright, so before we even get started, take a quick look around the kitchen to make sure you have all of the needed items.

• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g)

• Cornstarch: ¼ cup (30g)

• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.5g)

• Whole Milk: 3 cups (720ml)

• Large Eggs: 2 large

• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g)

• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)

  • Nilla Wafers: 1 (11-ounce) box (312g)
  • Ripe Bananas: 3-4 medium, sliced
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14-ounce) can (397g)
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml), cold

Let's Get Started!

I honestly can't wait for you to try this Easy Banana Pudding . It is so simple, it is so good, and you are going to absolutely love it.

No Bake Banana Pudding

When you try this recipe, it's gonna be a quick and easy banana pudding recipes that becomes an instant crowd pleaser.

The cool whip desserts can be exchanged with heavy cream to enrich the flavor.

Right then, let’s chat about what you'll need to whip up this nilla wafer banana pudding . it’s honestly easier than putting on your wellies, i promise! and trust me, this is going to become one of your favourite quick and easy banana pudding recipes .

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty

So, you wanna make the best nilla wafer banana pudding this side of the pond, yeah? course you do. let's break down the bits you'll need.

It's all fairly straightforward, nothing too fancy.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here's what you'll be chucking in:

• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
• Cornstarch: ¼ cup (30g)
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.5g)
• Whole Milk: 3 cups (720ml)
• Large Eggs: 2 large – free range, naturally!
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) – adds a lovely richness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) – the good stuff, mind!
• Nilla Wafers: 1 (11-ounce) box (312g) – Can't have Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding without them.
• Ripe Bananas: 3-4 medium, sliced - not too ripe, but not rock hard either.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14-ounce) can (397g) - I’ve made a Homemade Banana Pudding With Condensed Milk before, and this is essential for sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) , cold proper clotted cream if you're feeling fancy, but don’t tell anyone I said that!

Quality Indicators: For the bananas, you want them just ripe, maybe with a few brown spots. Too green and they’re bitter, too brown and they’re mushy. Goldilocks bananas, that's what we're after.

Seasoning Notes: A Wee Bit Extra

Don't underestimate these!

• Essential Spice Combinations: Honestly, vanilla is the star here. But a tiny pinch of nutmeg in the pudding adds a certain je ne sais quoi .

• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: I sometimes add a splash of rum extract. Just a wee splash!

• Quick Substitution Options: No vanilla extract? A touch of almond extract will do in a pinch.

Honestly this Easy Banana Pudding is pretty flexible.

Equipment Needed: What You'll Be Reaching For

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk unless you want lumpy pudding.
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• 9x13 inch baking dish or large trifle bowl

Essential tools only: Don't go thinking you need a fancy pudding basin! This No Bake Banana Pudding is all about keeping things simple.

Common household alternatives: No fancy mixer? A fork and some elbow grease will do!

Grandma's Golden: Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding (Simplified)

Oh my gosh, you guys! i'm about to share my take on a classic dessert. this nilla wafer banana pudding recipe is seriously the bomb.

It's kinda like a time machine. one bite and bam! you're back in grandma's kitchen, right? honestly, easy banana pudding is perfect for potlucks, bbqs, or just when you need a little comfort.

This is way better than any store-bought stuff. trust me!

This no bake banana pudding is all about layers of creamy goodness, sweet bananas, and those iconic nilla wafers. forget slaving over a hot stove for hours.

This recipe is all about speed and flavor. think of it as the ultimate quick and easy banana pudding recipes !

Prep Like a Pro

Okay, first things first: mise en place! this is fancy chef talk for getting your stuff together. slice those bananas.

Get your wafers ready. measure your ingredients. it makes the whole process way smoother. my time saving tip? use a mandoline for perfectly even banana slices.

Safety Note: Watch those fingers with the knife, okay? No one wants a band aid in their pudding!

step-by-step Pudding Perfection

Here's how we turn simple ingredients into a fast banana pudding masterpiece:

1. Whisk together ¾ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a saucepan.
2. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk and 2 large eggs until smooth. No lumps allowed!
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly . This is important. Don't let it burn. Cook for 5- 7 minutes , until it thickens.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Smells amazing, right?
5. Press plastic wrap on top of the pudding and chill for at least 30 minutes . This stops a skin from forming.
6. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently fold in a can of sweetened condensed milk. Homemade banana pudding with condensed milk is so good.
8. Gently fold in that whipped cream to the pudding.

Assembling is the Fun Part

1. Layer some Nilla Wafers in your dish.
2. Add a layer of banana slices.
3. Cover with that delicious pudding.
4. Repeat until everything's used up!

Chill for at least 2 hours . Overnight is even better.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to make this even more amazing? Try these:

• Toss your banana slices in a little lemon juice. This stops them from browning.
• If you love super soft wafers, let it chill overnight. Seriously. Game changer.

And seriously avoid using unripe or overripe bananas - gross!

Honestly, this nilla wafer banana pudding is one of those desserts that just makes everyone happy. it's no cook banana pudding recipe perfection.

The homemade banana pudding from scratch with evaporated milk is so good with a little cool whip on top. you could even call it a cool whip desserts .

You know? this is one of the banana pudding desserts that is very quick and easy to make. you'll find that one bite, and you will be wanting to make this dessert again.

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits for this amazing nilla wafer banana pudding recipe. honestly, sometimes the little details are what make a dish sing, you know? it's not just about having great easy banana pudding , it's about making it yours .

Recipe Notes: Turning Good into Great

Plating Like a Pro

This nilla wafer banana pudding looks fab in a big trifle dish. you get all those lovely layers! for individual servings, try small mason jars.

It’s cute, right? add a few extra nilla wafers on top for a fancy touch. presentation is key. you could even dust a tiny bit of cocoa powder, for an extra punch.

Serving Suggestions

Fast banana pudding is perfect on its own. but if you are feeling fancy, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A glass of cold milk always hits the spot too. maybe a cheeky rum and coke, if it's that kind of party? you know?

Storing Your Treasure

Got leftovers? lucky you! store your banana pudding desserts in the fridge. it keeps well for about 2-3 days. make sure it's covered tight.

To reheat? no need! it's best served cold. freezing nilla wafer banana pudding isn’t ideal, honestly. the texture can change, and nobody wants that.

Mixing it Up: Variations

Fancy a twist? try adding a layer of sliced strawberries. oh my gosh! or, for a chocolate banana pudding , swirl in some chocolate syrup.

To make a gluten-free banana pudding , just swap those lovely nilla wafers for some gluten-free ones! boom!

Quick And Easy Banana Pudding Recipes: Nutrition

Let’s be real, this is dessert. we're not pretending it’s health food. it is what it is, a nice treat now and again.

Bananas do give you some potassium, mind you. and dairy means calcium. so, a tiny bit good for you.

In Conclusion

There you have it! my take on this no bake banana pudding . i hope you will enjoy this homemade banana pudding from scratch with evaporated milk or homemade banana pudding with condensed milk .

Honestly, there is no bad way to enjoy this classic american dessert. now get in the kitchen. have some fun and create something amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Nilla Wafer banana pudding need to chill? I’m having folks over for tea tomorrow!

Ideally, you should chill your Nilla Wafer banana pudding for at least 2 hours, but 4 hours or overnight is even better! This allows the Nilla wafers to soften properly and the flavors to meld together like a perfectly harmonized barbershop quartet. Nobody wants crunchy wafers!

My bananas always turn brown! Is there a way to stop my banana slices from browning in the Nilla wafer banana pudding?

Ah, the dreaded banana browning! It's a common woe, but easily solved. Toss your banana slices with a little lemon juice or even pineapple juice before layering them into the Nilla wafer banana pudding.

The acidity helps prevent oxidation, keeping your bananas looking fresh and appealing, like they're ready for their close-up.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time, like a day or two before I need it?

Absolutely! In fact, Nilla Wafer banana pudding is often better when made a day ahead. This gives the flavors time to meld and the wafers to soften to that perfect, spoonable consistency.

Just be sure to store it properly covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any rogue fridge aromas, nobody wants that drama.

Is there any way to make a lighter version of this Nilla wafer banana pudding? I'm trying to watch my waistline!

You can definitely lighten it up a bit! Try using a reduced fat milk in the pudding, and consider using a light whipped topping instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of sugar slightly, or use a sugar substitute. Swapping in greek yogurt could give similar taste as heavy cream with less fat.

Every little bit helps, but remember, it's still a treat, so enjoy it in moderation!

Can I use instant pudding mix instead of making the pudding from scratch for this Nilla wafer banana pudding recipe?

While you can use instant pudding mix in a pinch, the homemade vanilla pudding really elevates this Nilla wafer banana pudding to a whole new level. The flavor is richer and more authentic.

However, if you're short on time, using instant is fine just make sure to use a good quality brand and follow the package directions. Think of it as a quick cover version vs. the original artist's work. Both are enjoyable, but the original holds the gold.

My wafers got soggy! What did I do wrong, and how can I avoid soggy Nilla wafers in my banana pudding?

Soggy wafers are a common banana pudding pitfall! A few things could be happening. First, make sure your pudding has cooled slightly before layering it, as hot pudding will soften the wafers faster. Also, avoid adding too many bananas in each layer, as they release moisture.

If you know you're serving the pudding several days later, consider adding the wafer topping right before serving to keep them crisp.