Homemade Banana Pudding

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Make the Custard

To start, you’ll create a creamy custard base that will form the foundation of your banana pudding. In a medium saucepan, combine **milk**, **heavy cream**, **sugar**, **cornstarch**, and **salt**. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it begins to steam and thicken. This can take about 5-8 minutes, so be patient!

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk the **egg yolks** until they become smooth. Gradually pour in a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This step ensures that the yolks don’t scramble when added to the rest of the hot mixture.

Once the yolks are tempered, slowly pour them back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Continue to whisk constantly and cook the custard for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the **vanilla extract**.

#### Step 2: Layer the Banana Pudding

Now that your custard is ready, it’s time to assemble the banana pudding!

– In a large dish (such as a 9×13-inch baking dish or a trifle bowl), start by layering the **vanilla wafer cookies** on the bottom of the dish.
– Then, add a layer of **sliced bananas** on top of the cookies.
– Pour a generous amount of your **homemade custard** over the bananas, making sure to cover them completely.
– Repeat the layers, continuing with cookies, bananas, and custard until the dish is full. Make sure that the final layer is custard, and if desired, garnish with extra vanilla wafers for a decorative touch.

#### Step 3: Chill and Serve

Once your banana pudding is assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set to the perfect consistency.

Before serving, you can optionally top the banana pudding with **whipped cream** for an extra indulgent touch.

### Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding

– **Use ripe bananas**: Make sure your bananas are ripe but not overly ripe. Overripe bananas may become mushy and lose their texture in the pudding.

– **Don’t skip the chilling step**: Letting the pudding chill helps to thicken the custard and allows the flavors to come together. It also softens the cookies to create the signature texture of banana pudding.

– **Add a twist**: While the classic version of banana pudding is hard to beat, feel free to get creative! You can sprinkle some crushed **chocolate cookies** or **chocolate chips** between layers for a fun twist, or top the pudding with a sprinkle of **cinnamon** or **nutmeg** for added warmth.

### Why You’ll Love Homemade Banana Pudding

1. **Rich and Creamy**: The homemade custard is creamy and silky, creating the perfect texture for the pudding. The combination of milk, cream, and egg yolks results in a pudding that’s thick but not overly dense.

2. **Classic Comfort**: There’s something nostalgic about banana pudding – it’s a dessert that reminds you of family gatherings, summer barbecues, and carefree times. This classic dessert will evoke memories of special moments spent with loved ones.

3. **Simple to Make**: Despite its rich flavor, homemade banana pudding doesn’t require a lot of complicated steps. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.

4. **Customizable**: Want to try a different flavor? Add a layer of **chocolate pudding** or use **coconut cookies** instead of vanilla wafers. Banana pudding is versatile and easy to adapt to your tastes.

5. **Feeds a Crowd**: This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd, and it’s the perfect dessert for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks. It’s an affordable, make-ahead option that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

### Final Thoughts

Homemade banana pudding is a simple yet satisfying dessert that never goes out of style. With its combination of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, this homemade banana pudding is guaranteed to be a hit.

So, gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet comfort of homemade banana pudding!