Southern Banana Pudding Recipe with Instant Pudding: A Quick and Easy Dessert

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Understanding Banana Pudding

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As a Southern chef, I know that banana pudding is one of the most beloved desserts in the South. It’s a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. Southern banana pudding is a creamy, sweet, and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion.

At its core, banana pudding is a simple dessert made with layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers. However, there are many variations of this classic dish, and the recipe can vary from family to family. Some people add whipped cream, meringue, or even cream cheese to their pudding for added richness and flavor.

Southern-style banana pudding is a particularly special dessert that is deeply rooted in Southern tradition. It’s a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and church events. It’s a dessert that brings people together and is often passed down from generation to generation.

One of the great things about banana pudding is that it’s easy to make, and you can use instant pudding mix to save time. Instant pudding is a type of pudding that is made by mixing the powder with milk and then chilling it in the refrigerator. It’s a convenient option that allows you to make banana pudding quickly and easily.

In summary, banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that is beloved by many. It’s a sweet and creamy treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer the traditional recipe or a variation that includes cream cheese or whipped cream, banana pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that will always be a favorite in the South.

Ingredients for Southern Banana Pudding

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I absolutely love making Southern banana pudding with instant pudding. It’s a classic dessert that always hits the spot. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious treat:

Bananas: You’ll need ripe, fresh bananas for this recipe. I usually slice them into rounds, but you can also use additional banana slices to layer the pudding.
Milk: Use a combination of whole milk and evaporated milk for a rich and creamy pudding mixture.
Sugar: You’ll need granulated sugar to sweeten the pudding.
Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter in this recipe.
Eggs: You’ll need egg yolks to thicken the pudding mixture.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt will help balance the sweetness of the pudding.
Flour and Cornstarch: These two ingredients are used to thicken the pudding mixture.
Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean: Use either vanilla extract or a vanilla bean to add flavor to the pudding.
Vanilla Wafers: You’ll need these cookies to layer in between the pudding and bananas. Nilla Wafers are a popular option.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is the key ingredient that makes this recipe so easy. You can also use instant banana pudding mix if you prefer.
Whipped Topping and Cream Cheese: These two ingredients are mixed together to create a delicious whipped cream layer on top of the pudding.
Lemon Juice: A bit of lemon juice is added to the whipped cream layer to give it a tangy flavor.
Meringue Topping: If you want to take this recipe to the next level, you can add a golden brown meringue topping to the pudding.

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to make a delicious Southern banana pudding with instant pudding that everyone will love.

Recipe and Preparation Method

I absolutely love making Southern Banana Pudding with Instant Pudding. It’s a classic dessert that everyone loves, and it’s so easy to make. Here’s my recipe and preparation method.

Ingredients

First, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need:

1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups of cold milk
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 container of whipped topping (thawed)
1 package of Nilla Wafers
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced

From Scratch

While some people prefer to make their banana pudding from scratch, using instant pudding mix makes this recipe so much easier and quicker. Plus, it still tastes amazing!

Prep Time and Total Time

The prep time for this recipe is only about 10 minutes, and the total time is around 2 hours, which includes refrigeration time.

Refrigerator and Refrigerate

Speaking of refrigeration time, it’s important to refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the pudding to set and the flavors to meld together.

Serving Size

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings, depending on how big you like your portions.

Layering

Now, let’s start layering our ingredients. First, line the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish with Nilla Wafers. Then, add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all of your ingredients.

Cook-and-Serve Pudding and Stovetop

If you don’t have instant pudding mix on hand, you can use cook-and-serve pudding instead. Simply cook the pudding on the stovetop according to the package directions, let it cool slightly, and then use it in the recipe.

Garnish

To garnish the pudding, you can crush up some extra Nilla Wafers and sprinkle them on top. Or, you can add a dollop of whipped topping and a few banana slices.

Dynamic Recipe Card

Here’s a dynamic recipe card that you can use to save this recipe for later:

Southern Banana Pudding Recipe With Instant Pudding:
  ingredients:
    - 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
    - 2 cups of cold milk
    - 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
    - 1 container of whipped topping (thawed)
    - 1 package of Nilla Wafers
    - 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
  instructions:
    - Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with Nilla Wafers.
    - Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers.
    - Mix the instant pudding according to the package directions.
    - Add the sweetened condensed milk to the pudding mixture and stir until well combined.
    - Fold in the whipped topping.
    - Pour half of the pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers.
    - Repeat the layering process with the remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture.
    - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  servings: 8-10

Nutritional Information

As with any dessert, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional information in Southern Banana Pudding. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information for a serving of this delicious treat:

Calories: A typical serving of Southern Banana Pudding contains around 250-300 calories. This can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size, so it’s important to be aware of portion control.
Fat: Southern Banana Pudding is not a low-fat dessert. A single serving can contain up to 10-15 grams of fat, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.
Carbohydrates: The main source of carbohydrates in Southern Banana Pudding comes from the vanilla wafers and the pudding mix. A serving can contain anywhere from 30-50 grams of carbohydrates.
Protein: While Southern Banana Pudding is not a significant source of protein, a serving can contain around 3-5 grams.
Vitamins and Minerals: Bananas are a good source of potassium and vitamin C, but the amounts in a single serving of Southern Banana Pudding are not significant.

Overall, Southern Banana Pudding is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking to cut back on calories and fat, consider using low-fat or sugar-free ingredients in your recipe.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banana Pudding

As someone who has made countless batches of banana pudding, I have learned a few tips and tricks to ensure that it comes out perfect every time. Here are some of my favorite tips:

Use ripe bananas: The key to a delicious banana pudding is using ripe bananas. They should be yellow with brown spots, which means they are sweet and flavorful. If your bananas are still green, they won’t have as much flavor and your pudding won’t be as delicious.
Let it chill overnight: While it’s tempting to dig into your banana pudding right away, it’s best to let it chill in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a creamier texture.
Use instant pudding mix: While you can make pudding from scratch, using instant pudding mix is much easier and faster. Plus, it still tastes great!
Layer your ingredients: To make sure every bite of your banana pudding has the perfect balance of flavors, it’s important to layer your ingredients. Start with a layer of Nilla Wafers, then a layer of sliced bananas, and finally a layer of pudding. Repeat until you reach the top of your dish.
Add whipped cream: For an extra creamy and decadent banana pudding, add a layer of whipped cream on top. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping heavy cream with a little sugar.
Use a glass dish: While you can make banana pudding in any dish, using a glass dish allows you to see all the delicious layers. Plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation at holiday gatherings or potlucks.

Overall, banana pudding is an easy and delicious dessert that everyone loves. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the perfect banana pudding every time!

Alternative Ingredients and Variations

As a chef, I love experimenting with different ingredients and variations to create unique and delicious recipes. Here are some alternative ingredients and variations that you can try with your Southern Banana Pudding recipe with instant pudding:

Cookies or Graham Crackers

While Nilla Wafers are the traditional choice for banana pudding, you can use other cookies or graham crackers for a different flavor and texture. For example, you can try using chocolate cookies or cinnamon graham crackers to add some extra sweetness and spice. You can also crush the cookies or crackers and sprinkle them on top of the pudding layers for some added crunch.

Thickener

If you want a thicker pudding, you can add some cornstarch or flour to the instant pudding mixture. Simply mix the cornstarch or flour with the pudding mix before adding the milk, and whisk until smooth. This will create a thicker and creamier pudding that will hold up better when layered with cookies and bananas.

Sweetened Condensed Milk or Condensed Milk

For an even sweeter and richer pudding, you can substitute some or all of the milk with sweetened condensed milk or condensed milk. This will add a caramel-like flavor and a creamier texture to the pudding. However, be aware that this will also increase the sugar and calorie content of the pudding.

Vanilla Custard

If you prefer a more traditional custard-like pudding, you can make your own vanilla custard instead of using instant pudding mix. Simply whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk in a saucepan, and cook over low heat until thick and creamy. Add some vanilla extract for flavor, and let the custard cool before layering with cookies and bananas.

Banana Bread

If you have some leftover banana bread, you can use it to make a delicious and unique banana pudding. Simply slice the banana bread into thin pieces, and layer it with the pudding and bananas. This will add some extra texture and flavor to the pudding, and make it more filling and satisfying.

Oxidation

To prevent the bananas from turning brown and oxidizing, you can dip them in lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering them with the pudding and cookies. This will also add some extra flavor and acidity to the pudding, and make it more refreshing and tangy.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

Once your Southern Banana Pudding with Instant Pudding is ready, it’s important to serve and store it properly to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pudding chilled for the best taste and texture. You can refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Top the pudding with whipped cream or whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers for a nice presentation and extra flavor.
You can also add some fresh banana slices on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Storing Suggestions

Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out.
If the pudding has already been topped with whipped cream or bananas, it’s best to consume it within a day or two to prevent spoilage.
Do not freeze the pudding, as it can change the texture and taste.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your Southern Banana Pudding with Instant Pudding for days to come.