Fluffy Banana Pudding Recipe: Ina Garten’s Sweet Comfort Joy

Creamy, luscious banana pudding with an Ina Garten twist brings pure comfort to your dessert table.

This classic Southern treat combines silky smooth layers of rich custard and fresh bananas.

Soft vanilla wafers add delightful crunch between each dreamy layer.

Every spoonful promises a nostalgic journey through sweet, creamy goodness.

The recipe balances simplicity with elegant technique, making it approachable for home bakers of all skill levels.

Ripe bananas and velvety pudding create a harmonious blend that melts in your mouth.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Ina Garten Banana Pudding

• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Brings silky smooth texture and classic sweet flavor to the dessert, opt for instant variety for quick preparation.
• Whole Milk: Creates creamy foundation, choose fresh milk for richest taste and smoothest consistency.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luxurious sweetness and thick richness, select high-quality brand for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides deep aromatic essence, use pure vanilla for most authentic flavor profile.
• Whipped Topping: Delivers light, airy texture, pick full-fat version for most indulgent experience.

• Ripe Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and soft texture, select yellow bananas with minimal brown spots for perfect slice.
• Vanilla Wafers: Offers delightful crunch and nostalgic charm, choose crisp cookies that hold structure when layered.

Tools to Make Ina Garten Banana Pudding

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking pudding mix and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending pudding mix and milk without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing bananas into neat layers.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cleanly cutting banana slices.
• Large Glass Serving Bowl: Ideal for creating beautiful layered pudding presentation.
• Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurate milk and condensed milk measurements.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amount of vanilla extract.
• Spatula: Great for gentle folding of whipped topping and scraping bowl edges.

How to Assemble Ina Garten Banana Pudding

Banana Bliss Dessert

• Creamy Base Foundation

Mix pudding powder and milk in a spacious bowl, whisking until silky smooth. The mixture should look glossy and free of lumps.

• Sweetness Infusion

Pour condensed milk into the pudding, blending thoroughly to create a rich, velvety texture that promises delightful indulgence.

• Flavor and Fluff

Splash vanilla extract into the mixture, then gently fold whipped topping until everything harmonizes into a cloud-like consistency.

• Texture Layering

Craft beautiful layers in a glass serving bowl, alternating between creamy pudding, fresh banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers. Each layer should peek through, creating a stunning visual effect.

• Chill and Settle

Refrigerate the dessert for one hour, allowing flavors to meld and pudding to set into a luxurious, cool treat.

• Final Touch

Just before serving, sprinkle crushed wafer crumbs on top for a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Fun Flavor Twists for Ina Garten Banana Pudding

• Swap whole milk for heavy cream to create an extra luxurious and decadent banana pudding experience.
• Incorporate mashed ripe bananas directly into the pudding mixture for a more intense natural banana taste.
• Experiment with different cookie options like graham crackers, shortbread, or chocolate wafers instead of traditional vanilla wafers for unique crunch and flavor profiles.
• Prepare the dessert up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity while saving time before serving.
• Replace whipped topping with homemade whipped cream and use low-fat milk for a lighter version of the classic dessert.

How to Serve Ina Garten Banana Pudding

• Create a Dessert Centerpiece: Stack the banana pudding in a clear glass trifle dish to showcase beautiful layers and make your table look stunning.
• Pair with Sweet Beverages: Serve alongside cold milk, iced coffee, or a light sweet tea to complement the creamy pudding's richness.
• Add Fresh Fruit Twist: Garnish with extra fresh banana slices or sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top for extra texture and tropical flair.
• Customize Individual Portions: Use mason jars or small glass cups to create personal-sized desserts perfect for parties or individual servings.

Keep Ina Garten Banana Pudding Fresh

• Maximize Freshness: Store the banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture and prevent moisture loss.
• Seal and Protect: Cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors and keep the dessert fresh.
• Quick Consumption Window: Enjoy the pudding within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality, as banana slices may brown and wafers can soften over time.
• Safe Serving Strategy: Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial contamination and keep the pudding looking and tasting delicious.

Heavenly Ina Garten Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Banana pudding from Ina Garten offers a creamy Southern classic with luxurious layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and silky custard. Guests will savor each spoonful of this comforting dessert that brings delightful sweetness to any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 bananas (ripe, sliced, approx. 510–635 g / 18–22 oz)
• 1 package (16 oz / 454 g) vanilla wafers
• 1 package (5 oz / 142 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) cold milk
• 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 container (12 oz / 340 g) whipped topping (thawed)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pudding Base: Whisk pudding mix and milk in a spacious bowl for 2 minutes until achieving a velvety, smooth texture without lumps.
2. Enhance Mixture: Fold in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, creating a rich, aromatic foundation with seamless integration of creamy elements.
3. Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold whipped cream into the pudding mixture, maintaining its light and airy composition while ensuring thorough blending.
4. Build Layered Structure: In a clear glass dish, construct alternating layers of pudding, ripe banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers, methodically repeating until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and the pudding to develop a perfectly chilled consistency.
6. Finish and Serve: Just before presenting, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for an elegant, crunchy garnish that adds visual and textural intrigue to the classic banana pudding.

Notes

• Whisk Wisely: Spend full 2 minutes mixing pudding mix and milk to eliminate lumps and achieve an ultra-smooth texture.
• Condensed Milk Magic: Stir sweetened condensed milk thoroughly to create a rich, creamy base that elevates the entire dessert’s flavor profile.
• Banana Selection: Choose ripe, firm bananas without brown spots to ensure perfect slice consistency and optimal flavor.
• Chill for Success: Allow minimum 60 minutes refrigeration time to let flavors blend and pudding set completely, enhancing overall taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg