Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding Recipe

Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding is made using granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, 2% milk, vanilla wafers, and ripe bananas. This creamy Banana Pudding recipe is a dessert that takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.

Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 36 vanilla wafers
• 3 medium ripe bananas, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 large egg whites (for meringue)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for meringue)
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3 tablespoons sugar (for meringue)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a saucepan, mix 3/4 cup of sugar with 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour to prepare for cooking.
2. Add milk and heat: Pour 2 cups of 2% milk into the saucepan containing your dry ingredients, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps.
3. Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook the mixture until it thickens and starts to bubble, then reduce heat and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Temper the egg yolks: Lightly beat 2 large egg yolks in a separate bowl, and gradually incorporate some of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks without cooking them directly.
5. Combine yolks with pudding: Slowly add the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, stirring constantly, and bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Add flavoring: Stir 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp of vanilla extract into the hot pudding mixture until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
7. Layer the ingredients: In an 8-inch square baking dish, start your layers by placing one-third of the vanilla wafers at the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and a portion of the pudding mixture. Repeat this layering process two more times.
8. Prepare and add meringue: Beat 2 large egg whites with 1/8 tsp of cream of tartar and an extra 1 tsp of vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gradually add 3 tbsp of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks are achieved. Spread this meringue over the final pudding layer, ensuring it seals to the dish edges.
9. Bake and chill: Bake the assembled pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue topping turns golden brown. Let the pudding cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: To achieve the fluffiest meringue, use egg whites that have been brought to room temperature before whipping.
• Whisk Constantly: To prevent lumps in your pudding, whisk the milk mixture constantly while cooking on the stove.
• Slicing Bananas: Slice bananas into even 1/4-inch pieces to ensure they soften uniformly during baking and create consistent texture in every bite.
• Baking Dish Prep: Lightly grease your baking dish before layering the wafers and bananas to prevent sticking and to make serving easier.

What To Serve With Banana Pudding

Serve your creamy Banana Pudding with other light desserts like lemon bars, raspberry sorbet, pistachio macarons, blueberry compote, and almond biscotti for a delightful dessert spread.

You can also pair it with a small cup of espresso or a glass of sweet Moscato wine to complement the sweet, rich flavors of the pudding.

How To Store Banana Pudding Leftovers

Refrigerate: Cover your Banana Pudding with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the meringue to prevent it from weeping. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best taste and texture.

Freeze: Freezing Banana Pudding is not recommended as it will cause the bananas and meringue to become watery and lose their texture upon thawing.

Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving ( 1 Cup | 175g )

• Calories 288
• Total Fat 10g
• Saturated Fat 7.1g
• Cholesterol 6.5mg
• Sodium 397mg
• Potassium 283mg
• Total Carbohydrate 47g
• Dietary Fiber 1.2g
• Sugars 34g
• Protein 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my banana slices from browning?

To prevent your banana slices from browning, you can toss them lightly in lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering them in the dish. This adds a slight tartness to the dish and keeps the bananas looking fresh throughout the layering and baking process.

Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute 2% milk with any other type of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. Keep in mind that using a milk with higher fat content will yield a creamier pudding, while non-dairy milk may alter the flavor slightly.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake
• Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
• Pioneer Woman Blueberry Buckle