Description
A rich, creamy, and visually stunning Southern-style banana pudding trifle featuring layers of homemade custard, ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4–5 medium ripe bananas
- 1 package vanilla wafers (about 30–40 cookies)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- Crushed vanilla wafers (optional garnish)
- Chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth and pale yellow.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk until fully combined and lump-free.
- Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent scorching and lumps.
- Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil; cook for 1 more minute after bubbling.
- Remove from heat and stir in unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Cover the surface of the pudding directly with plastic wrap and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- To assemble, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of a trifle bowl.
- Slice bananas and arrange them over the wafers.
- Spoon a layer of pudding over the bananas, then add dollops of whipped cream.
- Repeat layers (wafers, bananas, pudding, whipped cream) until ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
- Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
Use ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor. Toss sliced bananas with lemon juice to prevent browning. Do not skip the chilling time as it allows the wafers to soften and flavors to meld. This dessert is best made fresh and does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice/serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: banana pudding, trifle, vanilla wafers, dessert, Southern comfort food, homemade custard, creamy dessert