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Homemade Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese and Nilla Wafers Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This homemade banana pudding recipe combines a creamy, custard-style pudding with layers of banana slices and classic Nilla wafers, topped with a luscious whipped cream and cream cheese topping. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh mint, this dessert offers a rich, comforting treat for banana lovers and a nostalgic classic made from scratch.

Ingredients

Pudding Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (divided)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
  • ¼ cup salted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon banana or banana cream extract

Creamy Topping Ingredients

  • 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, room temperature
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip container, room temperature
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

Assembly Ingredients

  • 1 (11-ounce) box Nilla wafers
  • 4 medium bananas, sliced into ½-inch thick coins
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the whole milk and heavy whipping cream. Heat the mixture until it is hot but not boiling, about 5-7 minutes, until just beginning to simmer.
  2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla bean paste, cornstarch, and caster sugar until fully combined and paste-like in texture.
  3. Temper the Egg Yolks: Gradually add a tablespoon of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while stirring continuously. Repeat this 2 to 3 times to gently raise the yolks’ temperature without scrambling.
  4. Cook the Pudding: Remove the saucepan from heat (leave the burner on low), pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the hot milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent cooking the eggs. Return the saucepan to medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens into a pudding consistency, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Finish the Pudding: Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the cubed salted butter and banana extract until the butter is fully melted and blended into the pudding.
  6. Chill the Pudding: Transfer the pudding to an airtight container. Lay plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin formation, then cover with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until well-chilled and slightly thickened.
  7. Make the Creamy Topping: In a large bowl, use a handheld electric mixer or whisk to blend the softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and fully combined.
  8. Assemble the Banana Pudding: Using a trifle dish, baking dish, or individual glasses, layer the banana pudding, a layer of Nilla wafers, then a layer of the creamy topping, followed by sliced bananas. Repeat the layering until the dish is full, finishing with the creamy topping and a few Nilla wafers or crumbs on top.
  9. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften slightly.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, sweet banana pudding dessert.

Notes

  • Tempering the egg yolks is essential to avoid curdling and to create a smooth pudding texture.
  • For best flavor, allow the pudding to chill overnight before assembling.
  • Use ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor but avoid overripe as they can become mushy.
  • If you prefer a firmer pudding, cook until slightly thicker than desired and it will continue to set in the fridge.
  • The banana or banana cream extract enhances the banana flavor without overpowering the fresh bananas.
  • To make ahead, you can prepare the pudding and creamy topping separately, then assemble just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/homemade-banana-pudding-with-cream-cheese-and-nilla-wafers-recipe/