This is the best recipe for Homemade Banana Pudding! Made with from-scratch vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and vanilla wafers, this Banana Pudding from scratch is rich, creamy, and surprisingly easy to make.
![Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe Banana Pudding layered in mini trifle cups with vanilla wafers and banana slices.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Banana-Pudding-with-Vanilla-Wafers.jpg)
While I love homemade peanut butter cups and blackberry crisp and my kids beg me to make lemon cheesecake bars and peanut butter blossoms, my husband's all-time favorite dessert is banana pudding.
But not just ANY banana pudding. Even though he has had his fair share of banana puddings, he has yet to find one that compares to my recipe for banana pudding.
Why This Banana Pudding Recipe is the Best
- No Boxed Pudding Mix. While there is nothing wrong with taking a shortcut, using a boxed pudding mix can give banana pudding an artificial flavor. Homemade pudding is made with simple ingredients to deliver a creamy pudding with only the purest flavor to yield the best banana pudding!
- No Cool Whip. Frozen whipped topping just can't compare to fresh whipped cream. Freshly whipped cream gives this banana pudding the fluffiest texture and the richest flavor.
- Simple Recipe Made with Simple Ingredients. It only takes a few extra minutes to swap out the boxed vanilla pudding mix for homemade pudding and frozen whipped topping for fresh whipped cream and both are made with basic ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Amazing Flavor and Texture. This banana pudding is perfectly sweet, yet not cloyingly sweet. It is light, creamy, and rich in vanilla flavor. Paired with fresh bananas and crisp vanilla wafers, this layered banana pudding from scratch is simply the best.
Ingredients Needed for Banana Pudding
![Banana Pudding From Scratch Ingredients for banana pudding labeled on counter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Recipe-Banana-Pudding.jpg)
Banana Pudding is made with pretty humble ingredients. But I do have a few notes to help you make the best banana pudding ever.
- Milk: While you can use any fat percentage of dairy milk on hand, I recommend using whole milk for the richest, creamiest results.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the pudding, a bit of cornstarch is needed. If you happen to have a corn allergy, substitute the cornstarch with equal amounts of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Do not be tempted to substitute defrosted whipped topping, such as Cool Whip. The pudding has additional sugar added to the base to account for using unsweetened whipped cream.
- Vanilla Wafers: Use homemade vanilla wafers or your favorite store-bought brand.
- Bananas: Select bananas that are just ripe, or slightly underripe. The banana peel can have brown spots, but be sure that the flesh of the banana is without any brown spots or bruising.
How to Make the Best Banana Pudding
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Prepare Homemade Vanilla Pudding
The key to creating the best banana pudding is to swap out boxed vanilla pudding mix for homemade. While that may sound intimidating, it is as simple as simmering milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks on medium-low heat until thickening.
![Banana Pudding From Scratch Vanilla pudding in saucepan next to vanilla wafers and bananas.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Banana-Pudding-No-Cool-Whip.jpg)
Strain the Pudding
To ensure the pudding is super smooth and creamy, I recommend straining it over a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl. Once strained, chill the pudding for 30 minutes or so.
Use Freshly Whipped Cream
Just like homemade pudding is best for this recipe, freshly whipped cream with soft peaks, is also key to creating the best banana pudding. The fresh cream will create the lightest, fluffiest pudding and the flavor is pure, rather than artificial or overly sweet.
![From Scratch Banana Pudding Whipped heavy cream in large kitchen aid stainless steel mixing bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/No-Cool-Whip-Banana-Pudding-Recipe.jpg)
Gently Fold The Whipped Cream into The Pudding
Once the pudding mixture is chilled and the cream is whipped, use a gentle hand to fold the two together to create the light and fluffy base for the banana pudding.
![Best Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe Homemade vanilla pudding folded with fresh whipped cream.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Old-Fashioned-Banana-Pudding-Recipe.jpg)
Dip Sliced Bananas into Lemon Juice
I recommend dipping the sliced bananas in lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. Not only does this help prevent the bananas from browning, but it adds a tart flavor that is the perfect balance to the sweet dessert.
![Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe Sliced bananas in white bowl in lemon juice.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Old-Fashioned-Banana-Pudding.jpg)
Layer the Banana Pudding
You can use ANY serving dish or dishes you would like for assembling the banana pudding. A clear, trifle dish makes for a beautiful, dramatic presentation that is perfect for a potluck, and individual serving trifle dishes are great for dinner parties. If you don't have a large trifle dish or individual trifle dishes, use glass jars, a glass bowl, or any 4-quart serving dish you have on hand.
![Best Recipe Banana Pudding Layered vanilla pudding with vanilla wafers in a trifle dish.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Best-Banana-Pudding-Recipe.jpg)
![Recipe Banana Pudding Recipe Layered vanilla pudding with vanilla wafers, and sliced banana in a trifle dish.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Recipe-Banana-Pudding-Recipe.jpg)
Serve Banana Pudding Chilled
For the flavors of the banana pudding to have time to meld together, it is best to chill the assembled pudding for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours before serving.
![Easy Banana Pudding recipe Banana Pudding layered in 3 mini trifle dishes next to bananas and vanilla wafter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Healthy-Banana-Pudding.jpg)
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
- Classic Cheesecake
- Peach Cobbler
- Apple Crisp
- Banana Cake
- Baked Lemon Pudding
- Texas Sheet Cake
- Tapioca Pudding
- Mini Cheesecakes
I would love for you to leave a comment below sharing how much you enjoyed this recipe for banana pudding.
![Banana Pudding layered in mini trifle cups with vanilla wafers and banana slices.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Perfect-Recipe-Banana-Pudding-360x360.jpg)
Homemade Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1-½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large bananas for slicing firm, yet ripe
- Lemon juice for dipping bananas
- 24-36 vanilla wafers
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk. Slowly pour in ½ cup of the milk and whisk to combine. Add in the remaining 1-½ cups of milk and egg yolks and whisk again until everything is combined.
- Cook the milk mixture over medium-low heat, whisking every minute or so, until bubbly throughout and the mixture begins to thicken. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Once bubbling, whisk and cook for 1-2 minutes to begin to thicken. Once the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon, you know it is just the right consistency.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the pudding mixture over a fine-mesh strainer into a mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until chilled.
- After the pudding has chilled, pour the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled vanilla pudding mixture. Set aside.
- Slice the bananas and dip them into the lemon juice. This not only helps to prevent browning but also adds a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness.
- In a 2-quart trifle dish, layer in ⅓ of the pudding mixture. Top with half the vanilla wafters, to just cover the pudding. Top with ½ the sliced bananas. Repeat the layers, ending with the final third of the vanilla pudding. Alternatively, layer the ingredients in individual serving dishes.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is recommended. Serve within 3 days of preparing.
Lynda
OMG - this was delicious, and so easy. I actually made half the recipe in individual double-shot glasses to make sure I didn’t make too much. I could easily have made the full amount and eaten it all myself 🤣
I love that all your recipes have a section for leftover instructions - there just never are any in my house!! Thanks Kristen.
Kristen Chidsey
I love the idea of portion control, Lynda! But I hear ya on no leftovers--this one is typically quickly devoured. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Tyanna brigidette Richardson
This is a great banana pudding
recipe!!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing you enjoyed this pudding. Thanks for sharing
Jean Roenfeld
Very good can even use in a cooked pie shell.
Ty
This is the Bestest banana pudding recipe that I have ever come across!! Thank you for sharing
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy you enjoyed so much!
Leslie
Our whole neighborhood loves this banana pudding. I use gluten free vanilla wafers so even gluten sensitive people can enjoy it. DELICIOUS!
Kristen Chidsey
I absolutely LOVE hearing this, Leslie! Thank you for sharing you enjoyed this banana pudding and how you made it for your gluten-free friends.
Ashleigh McElroy
I’ve been wanting to make a from-scratch banana pudding for a while. So glad I stumbled across this recipe. It’s perfect! Perfectly creamy and sweet, and I love all of the real ingredients. Yay, no Cool Whip or box mix pudding! I assembled it in a 9x13 dish to make it easy to transport to a family gathering. It was a bit thin for that. Next time, I’ll either put it in a 9x9 or double it for the 9x13. Trifle dishes are pretty, but can be tricky to transport and fit into a crowded fridge. The only note I added to my recipe card, is to keep heating and stirring the custard until it starts to boil. I tried taking it off the heat too soon and it didn’t set up the first time, still too runny. Bringing it to a slight boil was enough to activate the cornstarch and make it the consistency of pudding. Thanks for a wonderful recipe! I’ll be scouring your website for more! 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for sharing Ashleigh! I am so happy you enjoyed so much!
Kristyn
We just made this for Father's Day. It's my dads favorite!! It's so creamy & delicious!!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing that Kristyn! I made it for my husband as well.
jess
Served the banana pudding in small cups for a party! Amazing! thank you for sharing this recipe
Allyson Zea
This was so flavorful and easy to make! Thank you so much!
Erin
Oh, my gosh! This is way better than anything you can make from a box. The flavor really comes through.
Harold J Bodman
Surely is delicious. I recommend this to banana lovers
Kristen Chidsey
Happy to hear you enjoyed Harold!
Izzy
Such a sweet mellow taste to have for a dessert. I can't get enough of the smooth and creamy texture, one serving is just never enough!
Kristen Chidsey
Glad to hear you enjoyed--but I agree, portion control is hard for this one!
Sam
This was delicious! The kids loved it!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing.
Tabitha
I noticed the heavy cream in the recipe, but didn't see where you directed ingredients for whipped cream. I used a standalone whipped cream recipe, & this turned out great though.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Tabitha! First of all, so happy you enjoyed the banana pudding, despite missing the step for whipping the cream. It is step 4 in the recipe card and states, Once the pudding is cooled, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Sandi
What a delicious dessert this made. Everyone loved it.
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! So glad you hall enjoyed.
Suzy
We love banana pudding but man there is nothing better than a homemade pudding! It was so flavorful and so creamy!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed this Suzy!
Carole Spencer
Do you know if this recipe works with alternative milk due to intolerance
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Carole. You can make the vanilla custard with nondairy soy or almond milk. As for the heavy whipping cream, I know there are several nondairy brands on the market now, but I have not tried them myself.