Banana Pudding is a classic and beloved dessert that has its roots in the United States, particularly in the southern region. This delectable treat combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and a graham cracker crust to create a delightful medley of flavors and textures. The dessert has a rich history and is cherished by many as a comfort food and a symbol of homey goodness.

The origins of Banana Pudding can be traced back to the early 1900s when commercial puddings and vanilla wafers became more widely available. As bananas grew in popularity and became more accessible, they were incorporated into various desserts, including puddings.

Banana Pudding quickly gained popularity in the southern United States, where it became a staple at family gatherings, church socials, and picnics. Its simplicity, affordability, and delicious taste made it a hit among home cooks and bakers.

Over the years, various versions of Banana Pudding have emerged, with some recipes featuring whipped cream or meringue toppings, while others incorporate cream cheese for added richness. Regardless of the variation, the core components of ripe bananas, vanilla pudding, and a crust remain constant, making it a beloved and familiar dessert for generations.

Today, Banana Pudding continues to be a cherished dessert across the country, with different regions adding their own twists and variations to the traditional recipe. It remains a nostalgic and comforting treat that evokes fond memories of family gatherings and happy times.

INGREDIENTS

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 2/3 cups Graham Crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Pudding:

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 2 cups milk
• 3 whole egg yolks, whisked
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 whole bananas, sliced

Serving:

• Whipped Cream
• Sliced Banana

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

Graham Cracker Crust:

1. In a large bowl, add the crushed graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, mixing them until well combined.
2. Drizzle the melted butter into the mixture and continue to mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate and bake it for about 7 minutes or until it turns light brown. Allow it to cool completely.

Pudding:

1. In a large saucepan, whisk together 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, flour, and a pinch of sea salt until they are well combined.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring continuously over medium heat, cooking until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
4. Slowly stir in 2 cups of the milk mixture into the whisked egg yolks.
5. Add the egg yolk mixture back to the saucepan and continue to stir while returning the mixture to a simmer. Cook it until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency of pudding.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese and mix well until they are thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl.

Assembling the Banana Pudding:

1. Cover the bottom of the graham cracker crust with one-third of the banana pudding cheesecake mixture.
2. Add the sliced bananas over the pudding layer and cover them with the remaining cheesecake mixture.
3. Refrigerate the Banana Pudding until it is cold or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Final Steps:

1. Serve the Banana Pudding with whipped cream and garnish it with additional sliced bananas.
2. Enjoy the delicious medley of flavors and textures in this classic and cherished dessert!

Indulge in the rich and creamy Banana Pudding, and share this delightful treat with family and friends to spread the joy of this beloved southern dessert. It’s sure to become a favorite at gatherings and celebrations, adding a touch of nostalgia and comfort to any occasion.