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Cozy Southern Loaded Banana Pudding Recipe Easy Layered Dessert Idea

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A comforting Southern layered banana pudding dessert featuring creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, topped with homemade whipped cream. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups vanilla wafers (about one 11 oz package)
  • 4 to 5 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
  • 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • Optional: lemon juice to toss banana slices to prevent browning
  • Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 packages of instant vanilla pudding mix with 4 cups (960 ml) of cold whole milk. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until thickened and smooth. Set aside for 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. In a separate chilled bowl, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy whipping cream. Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Gently fold about two-thirds of the whipped cream into the set pudding using a spatula, being careful not to overmix to keep the airiness.
  4. Peel and slice 4 to 5 ripe but firm bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Optionally toss slices lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning.
  5. In a glass or ceramic dish (about 8×8 inches), layer vanilla wafers to cover the bottom, then add a layer of banana slices, followed by a generous layer of the pudding and whipped cream mixture. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of pudding mixture.
  6. Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the top layer. Garnish with a few vanilla wafers and banana slices.
  7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
  8. Before serving, gently stir if pudding appears runny to restore creamy texture.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness. Whip cream to stiff peaks for best texture. Gently fold whipped cream into pudding to keep it airy. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Optional to toss bananas in lemon juice to prevent browning. For gluten-free, substitute wafers with gluten-free cookies. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and coconut whipped cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, southern dessert, layered dessert, easy dessert, vanilla wafers, whipped cream, comfort food

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