Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s a recipe for what many consider the best banana pudding:

Ingredients:

For the Pudding:

• 3 cups whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Layers:

• 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (about 11 ounces)
• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, or homemade whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pudding:
   1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is hot and beginning to thicken, stirring constantly.
   2. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them.
   3. Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens significantly (about 2-3 more minutes).
   4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
   5. Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until chilled.
2. Assemble the Banana Pudding:
   1. In a large trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pudding on the bottom.
   2. Add a layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding, followed by a layer of sliced bananas.
   3. Spread a generous layer of pudding over the bananas.
   4. Repeat the layers (wafers, bananas, pudding) until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
   5. Spread the whipped topping over the final layer of pudding.
3. Chill and Serve:
   1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
   2. Serve chilled, garnished with extra vanilla wafers or banana slices if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade banana pudding!