Ultimate Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 to 7 medium bananas, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 box of Nilla Wafers (shortbread or Chessman cookies are great alternatives)
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 3.4 oz package instant banana cream pudding mix
- 3.4 oz package instant vanilla (or French vanilla) pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
Instructions:
For the Whipped Cream:
- In a stand mixer bowl (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Set this whipped cream aside for later.
For the Pudding Mixture:
- In the same mixer bowl (cleaned), beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in the sweetened condensed milk and beat until well combined.
- Incorporate the pudding mixes and whole milk, beating for 4-5 minutes until smooth, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
- Gently fold in two-thirds of the prepared whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
To Assemble:
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of Nilla Wafers at the bottom.
- Layer half of the banana slices over the wafers.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, followed by another layer of Nilla Wafers.
- Add the remaining banana slices and cover them with the rest of the pudding mixture.
- Top off with the remaining whipped cream, creating a smooth layer.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the pudding to set.
- Before serving, garnish the pudding with mini Nilla Wafers, banana slices, or crushed wafer crumbs, if desired.
Enjoy this heavenly Banana Pudding, a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures!