Are you tired of the same old boring dessert options? Look no further than Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding! This classic dessert has been a staple in American households for over a century, with over 90% of American families having tried it at least once. But why settle for a bland, store-bought version when you can easily make your own delicious, creamy Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding from scratch?
This article will take you step-by-step through making the perfect Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding. Say goodbye to soggy Nilla Wafers and runny pudding, and say hello to the ideal balance of creamy and crisp Nilla Wafers in every bite. You’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your newfound dessert-making skills.
But that’s not all! Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding not only tastes fantastic, but it also provides numerous health benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and the milk in the pudding contains calcium and protein. So, your taste buds will be happy, and your body will thank you too!
So, are you ready to elevate your dessert game and learn how to make the perfect Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding? Let’s get started!
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What is Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding?
Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a no-bake dessert that takes less than 30 minutes to make. It is a simple recipe that is great for summer or winter, and Southerners love Nilla Wafer banana pudding. The layers of sweet bananas, smooth custard, and vanilla wafers create a wonderful flavor and texture explosion in your mouth!

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Equipment
- Oven
- Stove
- Bowl
- Pot
Ingredients
The ingredients for this recipe are very simple and easy to find. These include:
- 3/4 cup of unrefined sugar
- 5-6 medium-sized, ripe bananas; sliced
- 1\3 cups of all-purpose flour
- A little bit of salt
- 4 eggs, cracked open
- 2-cups worth of milk
- 1/2 tsp. of pure vanilla extract
- 1 package of Nilla Wafers
Step-by-Step Guide
- Put the custard ingredients into a pot and cover it with water by one to two inches. Don’t let the bowl you’re using to cook in touch the water as you set it on top of the pot.
- Mix in a half cup each of sugar, flour, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and milk.
- Stirring frequently to keep the milk from burning during the five minutes of cooking the mixture over low heat.
- Take the bowl off the stove and stir in the vanilla extract once it’s cooled down.
- Make a thin custard layer and spread it across the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- To finish the custard, arrange Nilla Wafers in a layer. Add sliced bananas on top.
- Put the bananas in a bowl and cover them with a third of the custard. Once you have three layers of each ingredient, top with custard and repeat the process. Putting aside.
- Turn the oven temperature up to 425 degrees F.
- Use a mixer to whip the egg whites until foamy to create the meringue topping. For the last four to five minutes of beating, gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. They are done if the egg whites are glossy and stiff when you lift the beater.
- Transfer the meringue to a spoon and evenly cover the pudding.
- Put the pudding in the oven for about 5 minutes until the meringue is pale golden.
- Put the pudding in the fridge to chill for a few hours. Put in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
- Arrange banana slices decoratively, and scatter Nilla Wafers around the plate.

How to Serve Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding?
Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a fun dessert to serve. You can top it with whipped cream or fresh strawberries and peaches. The best part about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand!
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Tips for storing Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding
To store your Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for 3-4 days.
Benefits of Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding:
Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a fun dessert to make and serve. It’s also easy to customize based on what you have on hand! Nilla Wafers are a great source of calcium and iron, which can help build strong bones and muscles. When it comes to nutrition, there’s no better way to get your daily dose of potassium than with bananas!

Conclusion
Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a great dessert to make with the kids or maybe even to serve at a party. It’s so simple and quick to make, but it tastes like something special!
Cooking Note:

Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Stove
- Bowl
- Pot
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of unrefined sugar
- 5-6 medium-sized ripe bananas; sliced
- 1 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- A little bit of salt
- 4 eggs cracked open
- 2- cups worth of milk
- ½ tsp. of pure vanilla extract
- 1 package of Nilla Wafers
Instructions
- Put the custard ingredients into a pot and cover it with water by one to two inches. Don’t let the bowl you’re using to cook in touch the water as you set it on top of the pot.
- Mix in a half cup each of sugar, flour, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and milk.
- Stirring frequently to keep the milk from burning during the five minutes of cooking the mixture over low heat.
- Take the bowl off the stove and stir in the vanilla extract once it’s cooled down.
- Make a thin custard layer and spread it across the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- To finish the custard, arrange Nilla Wafers in a layer. Add sliced bananas on top.
- Put the bananas in a bowl and cover them with a third of the custard. Once you have three layers of each ingredient, top with custard and repeat the process. Putting aside.
- Turn the oven temperature up to 425 degrees F.
- Use a mixer to whip the egg whites until foamy to create the meringue topping. For the last four to five minutes of beating, gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. They are done if the egg whites are glossy and stiff when you lift the beater.
- Transfer the meringue to a spoon and evenly cover the pudding.
- Put the pudding in the oven for about 5 minutes until the meringue is pale golden.
- Put the pudding in the fridge to chill for a few hours. Put in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
- Arrange banana slices decoratively, and scatter Nilla Wafers around the plate.
Notes
FAQ
Q: What are the ingredients in a nilla wafer banana pudding recipe?
A: The ingredients for a basic nilla wafer banana pudding recipe include: bananas, vanilla pudding mix, milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and Nilla wafers.
Q: How do you make banana pudding from scratch with Nilla wafers?
A: You will need to prepare a custard mixture using eggs, sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and vanilla extract to make banana pudding from scratch with Nilla wafers. Layer the custard mixture with sliced bananas and Nilla wafers in a baking dish, and bake until the custard is set.
Q: Can you use vanilla wafers instead of Nilla wafers in the banana pudding?
A: Yes, you can use vanilla wafers instead of Nilla wafers in banana pudding. Vanilla wafers have a similar flavor and texture to Nilla wafers and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
Q: How long does nilla wafer banana pudding last in the fridge?
A: Nilla wafer banana pudding will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Q: How do you keep bananas from turning brown in the banana pudding?
A: You can sprinkle them with lemon juice or treat them with an ascorbic acid solution before adding them to the pudding to keep bananas from turning brown in banana pudding.
Q: Can you freeze banana pudding with Nilla wafers?
A: Yes, you can freeze banana pudding with Nilla wafers. However, the texture of the pudding may change after being frozen, and the Nilla wafers may become soft and soggy.
Q: How do you make a no-bake banana pudding with Nilla wafers?
A: You must prepare a mixture of instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk to make a no-bake banana pudding with Nilla wafers. Layer the pudding mixture with sliced bananas and Nilla wafers in a large bowl or individual cups, and refrigerate until set.
Q: What is the origin of the nilla wafer banana pudding recipe?
A: The origin of the nilla wafer banana pudding recipe is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the Southern United States. The dish has been a popular dessert in the region for many years and is often served at family gatherings and potluck dinners.
Q: What is the difference between banana pudding and banana cream pie?
A: The main difference between banana pudding and banana cream pie is the crust. Banana pudding is typically made with a layer of Nilla wafers, while the banana cream pie is made with a pastry crust.
Q: How do you make a vegan nilla wafer banana pudding recipe?
A: You can use a vegan pudding mix and replace the milk with plant-based milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk to make a vegan nilla wafer banana pudding recipe. You can also use vegan Nilla wafers.
Q: Can I make Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is best when it’s freshly made, but if you want to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, keep in mind that the flavors may change over time. You may also notice that the pudding becomes more watery as time passes.