Homemade Banana Pudding with Whipped Cream Topping

Recipe View In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking frequently to prevent scorching, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and begins to thicken. (5-10 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually temper the egg yolks by adding about 3/4 cup of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk mixture. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and becomes creamy. (3-5 minutes)

Recipe View Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the pudding is smooth. Allow the pudding to cool slightly. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Set aside 6 vanilla wafers for garnish. In a deep, 8-inch square or 2-quart baking dish, arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers to cover the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced ripe bananas. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Add another layer of vanilla wafers over the bananas, then spread half of the cooled pudding mixture evenly over the wafers. Repeat with another layer of sliced bananas and the remaining vanilla wafers. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Pour the remaining pudding over the final layer of wafers, allowing it to seep into any open spaces. Cover the dish lightly with plastic wrap, pressing gently to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set completely. (4+ hours)

Recipe View When ready to serve, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Remove the banana pudding from the refrigerator. Spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the top of the pudding. Crush the reserved vanilla wafers and sprinkle them generously over the whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy! (5 minutes)