Are you craving a cool, creamy, and utterly delicious dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This banana pudding recipe, featuring the luscious sweetness of sweetened condensed milk, is your answer. Forget complicated baking; this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. It's a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to experience a taste of homemade happiness! This recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are also healthy meals and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 4 cups vanilla wafers or Nilla wafers
- 6 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and 2 cups of cold milk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Whip it up:
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
Layer the Delight:
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In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the vanilla wafers. Top with half of the sliced bananas, then spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
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Repeat the layers: remaining vanilla wafers, remaining bananas, and the remaining pudding mixture.
Chill and Enjoy:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding:
- Ripe Bananas: Use ripe, but not overripe, bananas for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas can become mushy.
- Chill Time: Allowing the pudding to chill thoroughly is key to its creamy texture and deliciousness. Patience pays off!
- Vanilla Wafers: While vanilla wafers are traditional, you can experiment with other cookies like graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the pudding mixture for a decadent chocolate twist.
- Spiced Banana Pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding mixture for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter to the pudding mixture for a delightful peanut butter flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: High in fat due to heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk.
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: High due to wafers and bananas.
This banana pudding recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and homemade cooking endeavors. It’s a delightful dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite! This recipe is amongst the best recipes, simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.