Old Fashioned Banana Pudding (Print Version)

Layered dessert with homemade vanilla pudding made from milk and egg yolks, fresh banana slices, and vanilla wafer cookies, chilled until softened and creamy.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Homemade Vanilla Pudding

01 - 4 cups whole milk
02 - 4 egg yolks
03 - 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 cup white sugar

→ For Assembly

06 - 15 oz vanilla wafer cookies
07 - 3 ripe bananas, sliced (plus 1 more for topping)
08 - Crushed vanilla wafers for topping

# Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over low heat, combine the whole milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and sugar. Whisk everything together well. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reaches a light simmer - this should take about 15 minutes. Watch it carefully so it doesn't boil. Remove from the heat and let it cool down slightly.
02 - In a 7x11 inch dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom. Arrange 2 sliced bananas on top of the cookies. Pour the warm pudding evenly over the banana and cookie layer. Add another layer of vanilla wafers on top.
03 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The longer it chills, the better it gets - the cookies soften and everything melds together into that classic creamy texture.
04 - Before serving, top the pudding with 1 freshly sliced banana and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers. Serve chilled and enjoy this nostalgic classic!

# Notes:

01 - This recipe uses homemade custard pudding from scratch - so much better than instant pudding!
02 - Make sure the egg yolks are at room temperature for the smoothest pudding.
03 - Don't let the pudding boil - keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid lumps.
04 - The overnight chilling time is what makes this dessert so special - everything softens together beautifully.
05 - Slice the bananas right before serving to prevent them from browning.
06 - Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days - the cookies will get softer the longer it sits.

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