Decadent Vanilla Banana Pudding Delight
This classic dessert, inspired by the original Nabisco recipe, offers a delightful medley of creamy vanilla custard, fresh bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers. Perfect for family gatherings or a special occasion, this layered pudding delights the taste buds with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Each spoonful is a sweet reminder of childhood, making it a beloved treat among all ages. Whether served warm or chilled, this pudding delivers a nostalgic experience that is sure to impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
3/4 cup (divided)
Flour
1/3 cup (none)
Salt
1 dash (none)
Eggs
3 (separated)
Milk
2 cups (none)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Vanilla wafers
45 (divided)
Ripe bananas
5 (sliced (about 3-1/2 cups))
Instructions
1
In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, flour, and salt. Mix well.
2
Add the egg yolks and milk to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.
3
Place the double boiler over boiling water and cook the mixture uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
4
Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to add a rich flavor.
5
Reserve 10 vanilla wafers for garnishing later.
6
In a 1-1/2-quart baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared custard at the bottom.
7
Layer 1/3 of the remaining vanilla wafers followed by 1/3 of the sliced bananas over the custard.
8
Pour about 1/3 of the custard over the banana layer.
9
Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining wafers, bananas, and custard, ensuring the final layer is custard.
10
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer at high speed until soft peaks form.
11
Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, continuing to beat until the egg whites become stiff but still glossy.
12
Spoon the meringue over the custard layer, spreading it evenly to ensure a complete cover and seal the edges.
13
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pudding for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
14
Let the pudding cool slightly or refrigerate it for several hours until thoroughly chilled.
15
Before serving, decorate with the reserved vanilla wafers and additional banana slices, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Vanilla Banana Pudding Delight?
It is a classic layered dessert inspired by the original Nabisco recipe, featuring vanilla custard, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include sugar, flour, salt, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, vanilla wafers, and ripe bananas.
How many bananas do I need?
You will need 5 ripe bananas, which equals approximately 3-1/2 cups when sliced.
How many vanilla wafers are required?
The recipe calls for a total of 45 vanilla wafers.
How many eggs are used in this pudding?
This recipe uses 3 eggs, which must be separated into yolks and whites.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 1-1/2-quart baking dish is the recommended size for layering this pudding.
How long does the custard take to cook?
The custard should be cooked in a double boiler for 10 to 12 minutes until it thickens.
What is the oven temperature for baking the meringue?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the pudding bake?
Bake the pudding for 15 to 20 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned.
How much sugar is needed for the custard?
The custard base requires 1/2 cup of sugar.
How much sugar is needed for the meringue?
The meringue topping uses the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.
Should the pudding be served warm or cold?
It can be served warm after cooling slightly or refrigerated for several hours to be served thoroughly chilled.
How many wafers should be reserved for garnish?
You should reserve 10 vanilla wafers to decorate the pudding before serving.
How many layers are in the pudding?
The process involves three layers of wafers, bananas, and custard.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
The vanilla extract should be stirred in after the custard has been removed from the heat.
How do I prepare the egg whites for the meringue?
Beat the egg whites at high speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff and glossy.
Why is a double boiler used?
A double boiler is used to cook the custard gently over boiling water to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.
What should I do if the custard isn't thickening?
Ensure you are stirring constantly over boiling water for the full 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches a custard-like consistency.
Is the meringue supposed to cover the entire dish?
Yes, you should spread the meringue evenly to completely cover the custard and seal the edges of the dish.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk.
Can I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended for beating the egg whites to the correct consistency for the meringue.
What is the first step in making the custard?
The first step is to combine 1/2 cup of sugar, flour, and salt in the top of a double boiler.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The instructions do not specify greasing; instead, you start by spreading a thin layer of custard at the bottom.
What gives the pudding its vanilla flavor?
The flavor comes from both the vanilla extract added to the custard and the vanilla wafers used in the layers.
How much flour is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of flour.
Is this a nostalgic dessert?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic experience that provides a sweet reminder of childhood.
Can I add extra bananas for garnish?
Yes, additional banana slices can be added along with the reserved wafers before serving if desired.
What part of the egg goes into the custard?
The egg yolks are whisked with milk and dry ingredients to form the custard.
How should the wafers be arranged?
They are layered in thirds, alternating with sliced bananas and custard.
What is the final layer before the meringue?
The final layer before the meringue topping should be a layer of custard.