Ina Garten Banana Pudding is made with ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, instant vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and whipped topping. This easy Banana Pudding recipe creates a rich and creamy dessert that takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
? Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires no baking, making it perfect for beginners and those who want a quick dessert.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of instant pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping creates a luscious, creamy texture that is hard to resist.
- Perfectly Sweet: The ripe bananas and vanilla wafers add just the right amount of natural sweetness, making each bite delightful.
- Impressive Presentation: Layering the pudding, bananas, and wafers in a glass bowl makes for a visually appealing dessert that’s great for gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners or parties.
? Ina Garten Banana Pudding Ingredients
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 package (5 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (12 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 package (16 ounces) vanilla wafers
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
? How To Make Ina Garten Banana Pudding
- Whisk the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk together for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Combine with Condensed Milk: Add the condensed milk to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Add Vanilla and Fold in Whipped Topping: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, fold in the whipped topping gently until everything is mixed well.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large glass serving bowl, layer some of the pudding mixture, then add a layer of banana slices, and a layer of vanilla wafers. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Chill the Pudding: Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let it set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with crushed vanilla wafers if desired.
? Recipe Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe. They should be yellow with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Chill the Pudding: Allow the pudding to chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge. This helps it set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Layer Carefully: When layering, start with the pudding mixture at the bottom to create a firm base. Alternate layers evenly to get a balanced taste in every bite.
- Fold Gently: When adding the whipped topping, fold it in gently to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Crush Vanilla Wafers: For extra texture, crush some vanilla wafers to sprinkle on top before serving. This adds a nice crunchy finish.
? What To Serve With Banana Pudding?
Banana pudding goes well with whipped cream, fresh berries, caramel sauce, or chocolate shavings. It can also be served alongside coffee, tea, ice cream, or pound cake for a delicious dessert.
? How To Store Leftovers Banana Pudding?
- Refrigerate: Store the banana pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the banana pudding in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQs
How Do I Layer Banana Pudding?
Start with a layer of pudding at the bottom of a large glass bowl, followed by a layer of banana slices, then a layer of vanilla wafers. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used.
How To Keep Bananas From Turning Brown In Banana Pudding?
Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the pudding. This will help prevent them from browning.
How To Thicken Banana Pudding?
Make sure to use the correct amount of milk as specified in the recipe. If your pudding is still too thin, you can mix in a bit more instant pudding mix.
Can I Make Banana Pudding Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make banana pudding a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What If My Pudding Mixture Is Too Lumpy?
Whisk the pudding mix and milk together thoroughly to avoid lumps. If lumps still form, you can use a hand mixer to smooth it out.
What Should I Do If My Vanilla Wafers Get Soggy?
To keep the wafers crisp, layer them just before serving. If making ahead, be prepared for the wafers to soften, which some people actually prefer.
Ina Garten Banana Pudding Nutrition Facts
- Calories 288
- Total Fat 10g
- Saturated Fat 7.1g
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 6.5mg
- Sodium 397mg
- Potassium 283.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates 47g
- Dietary Fiber 1.2g
- Sugars 34g
- Protein 4g
Try More Ina Garten Recipes:
Ina Garten Banana Pudding
Description
Ina Garten Banana Pudding is made with ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, instant vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and whipped topping. This easy Banana Pudding recipe creates a rich and creamy dessert that takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk together for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Combine with Condensed Milk: Add the condensed milk to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Add Vanilla and Fold in Whipped Topping: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, fold in the whipped topping gently until everything is mixed well.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large glass serving bowl, layer some of the pudding mixture, then add a layer of banana slices, and a layer of vanilla wafers. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Chill the Pudding: Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let it set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with crushed vanilla wafers if desired.
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe. They should be yellow with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Chill the Pudding: Allow the pudding to chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge. This helps it set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Layer Carefully: When layering, start with the pudding mixture at the bottom to create a firm base. Alternate layers evenly to get a balanced taste in every bite.
- Fold Gently: When adding the whipped topping, fold it in gently to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Crush Vanilla Wafers: For extra texture, crush some vanilla wafers to sprinkle on top before serving. This adds a nice crunchy finish.