Oh, banana pudding. Just the words themselves conjure up memories of summer picnics, church potlucks and my grandma’s. What is a sun This isn’t just banana pudding, it’s a dessert.Paula Deen Banana Pudding.Is it true that the movie lives up to the hype? What is better than the Magnolia Bakery banana pudding? Is this a warm hug from the South? I remember the first time I had it – it was at a friend’s birthday party, and I practically inhaled it. How do you eat a bowl I knew I needed the recipe, and thankfully, her sweet mama was willing to share. Now, I’m sharing it with you!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is Paula Deen Banana Pudding?
What are some of the best Southern desserts? What is essentially layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. All of them are delicious. What is a symphony of flavors and textures?Paula Deen Banana Pudding.What sets this homemade pudding apart from the other two is its richness. What’s not to be done with instant pudding? What is the velvety base of a dish? Is it the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite? I know it’s a bit indulgent, but sometimes you just need that little bit of Southern charm in your life.
Why you will love this recipe?
I know there are tons of banana pudding recipes out there, but this one is truly special. What I love about this recipe is how incredibly flavorful it is. Is homemade pudding better than a box of cereal? It’s the real deal. What is the combination of sweet bananas, crunchy wafers and silky pudding? Oh my goodness, it’s heavenly. What are some of the easiest recipes to make? Don’t let the homemade pudding intimidate you – it’s actually quite simple, and the results are amazing. Is every minute worth it? What’s a good dessert to make for dinner without breaking the bank? Is this a budget-friendly indulgence?Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe.Is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add a layer of whipped cream on top, sprinkle some chopped pecans for extra crunch, or even drizzle some chocolate. What’s your favorite caramel sauce? I sometimes add rum extract to the pudding for a more adult version. It’s so good! If you love Southern desserts, this recipe will surely top the list.
How do I make banana pudding?
Quick Overview
What are some of the easiest recipes to make? How do I make homemade vanilla pudding? Is bananas and vanilla wafers a good dish? What’s the secret to Southern heaven? Patience, and good quality ingredients. If you have never made a pudding before, you can nail this recipe. Is it that simple?
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
* 3 cups whole milk – Full fat is key for that rich, creamy texture. Don’t skimp! * 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – Adjust to your sweetness preference. I sometimes reduce it by 1/4 cup. * 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the pudding. Make sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps! * 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness. * 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten – The yolk is what give the pudding its richness and color. * 2 tablespoons butter – Adds silky smoothness and a little extra flavor. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Use good quality vanilla for the best flavor. I love using vanilla bean paste when I have it on hand!
For the Banana Pudding Assembly:
* 1 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers – Nabisco Nilla Wafer is the classic choice, but any brand will work. * 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced – Make sure they’re a bit firm but still firm. Overripe bananas get mushy. * Optional: I like to use homemade whipped cream, but store-bought is fine too.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, flour, and salt. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well combined. No lumps allowed!
Step 2: Cook the Pudding
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken and bubble. What is the best way to do this? Don’t stop stirring, or the pudding will scorch on the bottom!
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a small bowl, whisk the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them. (this prevents them from scrambling). Then, slowly pour the tempered egg yolks into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
Step 4: Finish the Pudding
Continue to cook the pudding, stirring constantly, for another 2-3 minutes, or until it’s thick. How do you coat the back of a spoon? How do you stir together the butter and vanilla extract?
Step 5: Assemble the Pudding
In a large bowl or trifle dish, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas and pudding. Start with a layer of wafers, then bananas and then pudding. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Why do wafers soften?
Step 7: Top (Optional)
Just before serving, top with whipped cream. I love to add a few extra vanilla wafers on top for garnish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
What is the best way to enjoy a cold turkey?Paula Deen Banana Pudding.Is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to serve it?
Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe.Is a star all on its own, but it also pairs well with other Southern classics.For a BBQ:What’s better than corn on the cob and ribs? The sweetness of the pudding is a perfect complement to the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ.For a Potluck:What is the best pudding to make for a potluck? Serve it with other potluck favorites like macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and fried chicken.For Dessert:What are some good Southern recipes for banana pudding? What are the best dumplings?Just Because:Is there a special occasion to enjoy this pudding? What’s a good weekend dessert? I often make it just because I’m craving that taste of home. My family loves it and it’s so easy to whip up after dinner!
How do I make Paula Deen Banana Pudding?
Pudding Consistency Make sure to stir the pudding constantly while it’s cooking to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, you can strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve to remove them.
Banana RipeUse ripe but still firm bananas. Overripening banana will get mushy and make the pudding too sweet. I find that bananas with a few brown spots are perfect.Wafer Placement:Don’t be afraid to break the wafers into smaller pieces to fill in any gaps in the layers. What is the best way to avoid wafer crunch?Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling time! This is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften slightly. I prefer to chill it overnight for the best results.
Whipped Cream: If you’re using whipped cream, add it just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy. You can also use stabilized whipped cream, which will hold its shape for longer.
Flavor Variations: Get creative with your flavor additions! Try adding a splash of bourbon to the pudding, or sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top. You can also use different types of wafers, like chocolate wafers or peanut butter wafers. When I was younger, I remember my mom trying different flavors of pudding! Sometimes it would be pistachio or even butterscotch. It was definitely fun!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the banana pudding at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The bananas will start to brown and the pudding will become warm.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After 3 days, the bananas will start to get mushy and the pudding will lose its texture.
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze banana pudding, I don’t recommend it. The texture of the pudding will change and the bananas will become mushy. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe doesn’t call for a glaze, you don’t have to worry about that! But if you’re adding whipped cream, do so just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Paula Deen Banana Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of Southern comfort, a trip down memory lane, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, and I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. If you’re a fan of other classic desserts, be sure to check out my recipe for classic apple pie or even my Grandma’s famous chocolate cake. They are both amazing family favorites too! Happy baking, y’all! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!

Simple Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup whole milk room temperature
- 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, and then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.