Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese is a traditional Southern delicacy. Banana banana pudding is made up of layers of crisp vanilla wafer cookies, fresh banana slices, and creamy vanilla custard.
A favourite dessert at occasions and family get-togethers, it has a rich, velvety texture and a sweet, soothing flavour. With time, the bananas soften and blend in with the whipped cream and cheese cream to create a beautiful, harmonic dessert. Also, the wafers crunch up and absorb some of the sweetness from the pudding.
The Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese is a comfort food staple that is both nostalgic and decadent, and it’s typically served with a dollop of whipped cream or meringue on top.
Also Read: Grandma’s chicken and dumplings recipe
How to make Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese?
The recipe is given below, along with a detailed ingredient list and instructions for each step, but first, let’s review the basic concepts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serving: 8
What is the difference between banana pudding and banana cream pie?
Both banana pudding and banana cream pie are made with bananas; they are very different in terms of ingredients and presentation. A soft, pudding-like dessert, banana pudding is made out of layers of creamy vanilla custard, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies. It is sometimes garnished with meringue or whipped cream. Generally, it is enjoyed cold and served in a jar or bowl.
On the other hand, banana banana cream pie has a crisp pie crust, thick custard with a vanilla flavour, and sliced bananas on top, topped with meringue or whipped cream. After being cut into slices and served, the pie has a crispier crust.
In contrast to banana pudding, which emphasises the layering and blending of its ingredients, banana cream pie mixes a creamy filling with a solid crust.
Ingredients you’ll need
Granulated sugar: sugar increases the pudding’s sweetness. It is necessary for the pudding’s overall flavour and texture as well as for balancing the flavours.
Starch: Cornflour or starch has the ability to thicken. The thickening effect of the milk when heated contributes to the pudding’s creamy, custard-like texture.
salt: a pinch of salt will boost the pudding’s flavour. Enhancing the sweetness and balancing the sweetness in the banana pudding.
Full Milk: establishes the pudding’s foundation. The best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese has a smooth texture because whole milk adds richness and creaminess.
Cream cheese: add cream cheese for the extra softness and creaminess. You can use whipped cream too.
Egg yolks: assist in giving the pudding body and thickness. As the yolks get cooked, the proteins solidify.
Whipped Cream: This garnish adds a hint of sweetness and is airy and light. It gives the rich pudding flavour.
Vanilla wafer cookies: add some roughness and a hint of vanilla. A portion of the banana pudding is absorbed by them, softening and combining with the layers.
ripe bananas sliced: Serve the main fruit portion of the pudding. Their inherent flavour and sweetness are vital to the dessert.
unsalted butter: gives the banana pudding smooth and creamy texture. The flavour is additionally enhanced by the butter.
Vanilla extract: gives the Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese a cosy, fragrant flavour. It enhances the overall flavour and balances the sweetness.
Healthy alternatives for Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese
Try alternatives and substituting ingredients to make banana pudding healthier or lighter. Some ideas are to use gluten-free cookies, low-fat milk, or other sweeteners like honey.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup corn flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (about 11 ounces) vanilla wafer cookies
- Whipped cream or meringue (optional, for topping)
How to make Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese
Instructions:
1. Get the pudding base ready: In a bowl, add 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup cornflour, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar and combine them together. Make sure there are no lumps by whisking to mix. Add 2 3/4 cups whole milk gradually while whisking until the liquid is smooth and thoroughly blended.
2. Heat the saucepan to medium heat and cook until the mixture begins to thicken and softly bubble, stirring often with a wooden spoon or spatula. This should require five to seven minutes.
3. Warm the Egg Yolks: add 4 big eggs, separating the yolks into a small bowl while the milk mixture heats. Save the whites for later. Use a fork to gently beat the eggs. When the milk mixture is boiling and thickened, gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the heated mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously.
4. Completing the Pudding: Simmer the mixture for an additional two to three minutes, or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Turn off the heat of the pot. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, stirring until the butter melts completely and the vanilla is distributed evenly.
6. Combine the pudding together: Start by layering vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of a pudding glass or trifle bowl. Place a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas using a spoon. Continue layering until all of the ingredients have been utilised, and then finish with a layer of pudding on top.
7. Cool and garnish: garnish with nuts and slices of bananas and place plastic wrap over the dish and gently press it against the pudding’s surface. Place in the fridge for four hours or overnight to fully set the pudding. Enjoy your Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese in a jar or pudding glass. The banana pudding recipe with cream cheese is delicious and can be served in various ways.
Whipped cream: Add some texture and taste to your dish by topping it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkling of crushed vanilla wafers.
Sliced banana: Add some more texture and visual appeal to your garnish by using banana chips or sliced fresh bananas.
Drizzle: For extra sweetness, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel.
Classic Bowl: For a more conventional presentation, serve it in a big bowl or individual bowls.
Tiny Jars: For a charming and portable serving option, divide the custard into tiny Mason Jars.
Pudding cups: For a casual, single-serve option, use small plastic or glass pudding cups.
Feel free to add your own personalised serving of the Best Banana Pudding recipe with cream cheese.
How to store the Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese
To store the banana pudding, it’s important to keep it fresh. Place it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To keep Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese fresh, transfer them to pudding cups or jars, cover them with plastic wrap to prevent air, and store them in a dry or cool place.
By following these storage suggestions, your delicious and yummy Best banana pudding recipe with cream cheese should stay fresh. Enjoy your banana pudding at home.
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