Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding
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Make a dessert that brings back good old memories with this Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding. The recipe is simple and lets you switch ingredients to fit different diets or what’s in your kitchen. You’ll need cold milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and ripe bananas to start. Adding sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and Cool Whip makes it tasty and creamy. Don’t forget the vanilla wafers for that crunch.
If you want to change things up, you can use banana cream pudding mix for more taste. Or, swap the milk for evaporated milk, which was the original suggestion on a vintage Nilla Wafers box. This dessert is all about making it your own.
Ingredients List & How To Make It (Step by Step)
To make a yummy dessert like Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, gather your ingredients. Start with:
- 2 cups of cold milk
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (12 ounces) of frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 box of Nilla Wafers
Now mix these ingredients for a smooth, creamy pudding layer:
- Combine the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix in a big bowl. Whisk until it thickens.
- Blend in the sweetened condensed milk. Keep whisking until it’s smooth.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for more flavor.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping for a light texture.
- Start with a layer of Nilla Wafers at the bottom.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers.
- Spoon over a layer of the creamy pudding mixture.
- Do these layers until everything is used, with pudding at the top.
Following this method, you’ll make awesome banana pudding. It’s tasty and fun to eat, great for any event.
Tips & Tricks
Making top-notch Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding has secrets. First, pick slightly green bananas to keep them fresh. If your bananas are already ripe, toss them in cool water or brush with lemon juice. This keeps them looking good longer.
Choosing the right vanilla extract is very important. Things like Cognac Barrel-Aged Pure Vanilla Extract are amazing. They give your dessert a deep, rich taste.
Nothing beats a well-chilled pudding. Let it chill well to make the flavors and layers perfect. Also, be patient. Waiting for it to set properly makes it go from good to great.
To keep your pudding tasty, follow some banana storage tips. Doing this ensures every spoonful of your Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a sweet delight.
Serving Suggestions
Make your Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding look special with creative dessert presentation. An elegant way is to use individual glasses. This makes it look fancy and shows off the yummy layers. Plus, everyone can see the delicious parts like the pudding, bananas, and wafers.
Want dessert for the whole family? Try making the pudding in a big glass bowl. It’s a pretty way to serve it and makes everyone want a taste. Cindy Vandanna uses a round dish for picnics that’s fun and easy. Or follow Mary DiSomma’s idea and use a 9×13″ pan for many people.
Make your pudding even more special by adding more Nilla Wafers on top. It looks nice and keeps the wafers crispy. No matter how you serve it, your Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding will be a hit. Everyone will love this tasty treat.
How to Store
To keep your Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding great, it’s important to store it right. First, cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps it from smelling like other foods in the fridge. Then, put it in the fridge as soon as you can to stay tasty for about three days.
It’s crucial to keep desserts fresh in the fridge. This is especially true for banana pudding. If it stays out too long, the ripe bananas and pudding can spoil. So, always cool your pudding fast. Don’t forget to write down the date you made it on the container. This way, you’ll know how fresh it is.
Keeping the pudding in the fridge is best, but avoid freezing it. Why not freeze it? Because the texture of the pudding and bananas can change. This can make it not as nice to eat. But hey, if you have some left, fridge storage keeps it good for more treats. Enjoy your special pudding, knowing it’s stored right for the best flavor and feel.
