Description

A silky, rich banana cream pudding layered with crunchy vanilla wafers. This easy, one-pot stovetop dessert requires no baking or crust rolling and comes together in about 30 minutes of active time.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3–4 medium ripe bananas
1 package vanilla wafers (about 30–40 cookies)
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for bananas)

Instructions

Slice bananas into 1/4-inch rounds and toss with lemon juice if desired to prevent browning.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch until no lumps remain.
Pour in 1 cup of milk and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 3 cups of milk.
Place saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly. Do not walk away.
Once the mixture thickens and bubbles, bring to a full boil and cook for exactly 1 minute while whisking to cook out the raw cornstarch taste.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
To assemble, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and chilled pudding in a serving dish.
Repeat layers, finishing with pudding on top.
Refrigerate assembled pudding for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow wafers to soften.

Notes

For best results, use ripe bananas with brown spots. Ensure the pudding boils for exactly 1 minute to remove the raw cornstarch taste. Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding surface while cooling to prevent a skin. This dessert is best eaten within 24 hours as the wafers will continue to soften. Do not freeze, as the texture will suffer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 180
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: banana pudding, banana cream pie, easy dessert, 5 ingredient recipe, vanilla wafers, no bake dessert, comfort food