<article class=”recipe-post”>
<h1>🍌 Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe</h1>
<p>There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, homemade banana pudding to bring back memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. This classic Southern dessert layers smooth vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers for a simple yet irresistible treat.</p>
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<h2>🧾 Ingredients</h2>
<ul>
<li>1 can sweetened condensed milk</li>
<li>2 cups whole milk</li>
<li>½ cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>⅓ cup cornstarch</li>
<li>¼ teaspoon salt</li>
<li>3 large egg yolks</li>
<li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li>3 ripe bananas, sliced</li>
<li>1 box vanilla wafers</li>
<li>1 cup whipped cream (optional, for topping)</li>
</ul>
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<h2>👩🍳 Instructions</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<strong>Make the Pudding Base:</strong>
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble — about <strong>5 to 8 minutes</strong>.
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<li>
<strong>Temper the Eggs:</strong>
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in a spoonful of the hot pudding mixture to warm the eggs and prevent curdling.
Then slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
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<li>
<strong>Finish the Custard:</strong>
Stir in the vanilla extract and cook for another minute, until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
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<li>
<strong>Assemble the Layers:</strong>
In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and warm pudding.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
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<li>
<strong>Chill and Serve:</strong>
Cover and refrigerate for at least <strong>4 hours</strong> to allow the pudding to set.
Before serving, top with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
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</ol>
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<h2>⏱️ Recipe Details</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 15 minutes</li>
<li><strong>Cook Time:</strong> 10 minutes</li>
<li><strong>Chill Time:</strong> 4 hours</li>
<li><strong>Total Time:</strong> 4 hours 25 minutes</li>
<li><strong>Servings:</strong> 8</li>
<li><strong>Calories:</strong> Approx. 320 per serving</li>
</ul>
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<h2>💛 Tips for the Best Banana Pudding</h2>
<ul>
<li>Use <strong>ripe but firm bananas</strong> — overly soft bananas can make the dessert mushy.</li>
<li>For a lighter version, substitute half the sweetened condensed milk with regular milk.</li>
<li>Craving a bakery-style look? Add crushed vanilla wafers or caramel drizzle on top before serving!</li>
</ul>
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