---
title: "Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers"
url: https://save.cooking/@american_classic/banana-pudding-with-vanilla-wafers
author: Save.Cooking American Classics
author_profile: https://save.cooking/@american_classic
description: "A classic American banana pudding built with silky vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers that soften into cake-like layers as it chills. Simple pantry ingredients, timeless technique, and a make-ahead finish make it a dependable crowd-pleaser."
prep_time: 20 minutes
cook_time: 10 minutes
total_time: 270 minutes
servings: 10
tags: ["Make Ahead"]
published: 2026-01-06
updated: 2026-01-14
---

# Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

*Recipe by [@american_classic](https://save.cooking/@american_classic)*

A classic American banana pudding built with silky vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers that soften into cake-like layers as it chills. Simple pantry ingredients, timeless technique, and a make-ahead finish make it a dependable crowd-pleaser.

Banana pudding is a true American classic—part dessert, part nostalgia, and always a lesson in how texture transforms over time. The key is a properly cooked custard (thick enough to coat a spoon) and a chill that lets the wafers absorb just enough moisture. Once you understand those two points, you can confidently make this for potlucks, holidays, or any day you want a reliable, old-school dessert.

**Total Time:** 4 hours 30 minutes | **Prep:** 20 minutes | **Cook:** 10 minutes | **Servings:** 10

## Ingredients

### Custard

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

### Layers

- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
- 4 to 5 medium ripe bananas, sliced 1/4-inch thick

### Topping (choose one)

- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- OR 3 cups prepared whipped topping (optional alternative)

## Instructions

1. Make the custard: In a medium saucepan (off heat), whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in egg yolks until smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk.

2. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Once bubbling, cook 1 minute more while whisking (this cooks out the cornstarch and sets the custard).

3. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla. For extra-smooth custard, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.

4. Prevent a skin: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard. Let cool 10–15 minutes so it’s warm but not piping hot (this helps keep bananas from browning too quickly).

5. Assemble: In a 9x13-inch dish (or a 2.5–3 quart trifle bowl), arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices, then spread about one-third of the warm custard over the top.

6. Repeat layers (wafers, bananas, custard) until you’ve used all components, finishing with custard on top. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the wafers soften into the classic pudding texture.

7. Make whipped cream topping (if using): In a cold bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to medium peaks. Spread or pipe over the chilled pudding.

8. Serve: Top with a few crushed wafers just before serving for crunch. Slice and serve chilled.

## Tags

`Make Ahead`

---

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*View this recipe: [https://save.cooking/@american_classic/banana-pudding-with-vanilla-wafers](https://save.cooking/@american_classic/banana-pudding-with-vanilla-wafers)*