Banana Pudding Recipe (Stovetop Vanilla Custard)
This banana pudding recipe starts with a simple stovetop vanilla custard made with eggs, milk, and a little flour for body. Once it thickens, you fold in sliced banana or layer it in serving cups, then chill until set. If you’re wondering how to make banana pudding easily, keep whisking as it heats so the custard stays smooth.
Ingredients
For the custard base
Step-by-Step Method
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, 1 1/3 cups sugar, and salt. This helps the custard cook up smooth.
Add eggs and milk
Whisk in the eggs until combined. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly so you don’t get lumps.
Cook until thick
Set the pan over medium heat. Keep whisking as it warms so nothing sticks. Once it thickens and approaches a gentle boil, cook for 1–2 more minutes.
Stir in vanilla and adjust sweetness
Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla. If you want it sweeter, add a little of the optional sugar amounts gradually, tasting as you go.
Add the bananas
Slice the banana and either fold it into the pudding or layer it in serving cups and spoon the custard over the top. Let the custard cool slightly first to keep the banana from softening too fast.
Chill and serve
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin. Cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Right before serving, you can stir in the optional 2 tsp vanilla for a fresher aroma.