Are you craving a cool, creamy, and utterly delightful dessert? Look no further! This recipe for homemade banana pudding takes the classic comfort food and elevates it with the perfect jiggle of homemade Jello pudding. Forget those boxed mixes; this recipe delivers a richer, more flavorful pudding that will impress your family and friends. It’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire, or a showstopper for a special occasion. Let's dive into this delicious journey of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Jello Pudding:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (3 ounce) package Jello, any flavor (banana, vanilla, or even strawberry work wonderfully!)
For the Banana Pudding:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (3 ounce) package Jello, any flavor (banana, vanilla, or even strawberry work wonderfully!)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 package (14-16 ounces) vanilla wafers or Nilla wafers
Instructions:
Making the Jello Pudding:
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Temper the eggs: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Then, whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Cook the pudding: Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for one minute more.
- Add the flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and Jello powder until completely dissolved.
- Whip the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold and chill: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the pudding mixture. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set completely.
Assembling the Banana Pudding:
- Layer it up: In a large trifle bowl or individual serving dishes, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the chilled Jello pudding. Repeat layers until you reach the top. Start and end with a layer of wafers.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use whole milk instead of skim milk.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding for a warm, comforting twist.
- Get creative with layers: Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or crushed graham crackers for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based milk alternative. Ensure your Jello is also vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
This delicious banana pudding recipe is a perfect blend of creamy pudding and sweet bananas, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. The homemade Jello pudding adds a unique touch, elevating this classic dessert to a whole new level. Enjoy! This easy recipe for healthy meals is sure to become a family favorite! This is one of the best recipes that you will add to your repertoire of delicious dishes.