Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

When the sun is shining and the days are long, there’s nothing quite like a chilled dessert to cool you down and satisfy your sweet cravings. This Bananas and Cream Pudding, lovingly handed down from a friend, is a deliciously creamy treat that’s perfect for those warm summer days. With its combination of luscious bananas, rich whipped cream, and flavorful vanilla wafers, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Here’s how you can make this delightful pudding:

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant banana pudding mix
• 6 ripe bananas
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• Vanilla wafers (enough for layering and decoration)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bananas:
   Begin by peeling and slicing the bananas into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the banana slices into a large bowl. Pour the lemon juice over the bananas and gently toss them to coat, ensuring you don’t break up the slices. The lemon juice helps to prevent the bananas from browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the pudding.

2. Mix the Pudding Base:
   In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the instant banana pudding mix with the sweetened condensed milk and whole milk. Stir or whisk the mixture according to the package directions until it starts to thicken. This will be your creamy pudding base.

3. Whip the Cream:
   In another large bowl or using a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This step is crucial for achieving the light and airy texture of your pudding.

4. Combine Pudding and Cream:
   Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to carefully mix the cream into the pudding until fully combined. This will create a rich and fluffy pudding base.

5. Add Bananas:
   Drain any excess lemon juice from the bananas and fold the banana slices into the pudding mixture. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the banana pieces.

6. Layer the Pudding:
   In a large glass bowl, start by adding half of the pudding mixture. Smooth it out with a spatula. Next, place a layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the vanilla wafers, and then add another layer of vanilla wafers on top. Arrange additional vanilla wafers around the edge of the pudding for a decorative touch.

7. Chill and Serve:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set, resulting in a wonderfully refreshing dessert.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 776.9
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 19.8 g
• Cholesterol: 104.8 mg
• Sodium: 602.5 mg
• Carbohydrates: 106.2 g
• Fiber: 3.2 g
• Sugar: 61 g
• Protein: 9.9 g

Enjoy this easy-to-make Bananas and Cream Pudding as a satisfying end to your summer meals. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just treating your family to a sweet surprise, this dessert is sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around. 🍌✨