Banana Pudding

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
2. Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Layers: In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, begin by layering the bottom with a single layer of vanilla wafers. Top the wafers with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of the prepared pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the banana pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set. Just before serving, garnish the top of the pudding with additional sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. Look for bananas that are yellow with brown spots, as they will be sweet and creamy.
• Whipped Cream: For a lighter texture, you can fold in additional whipped cream or use whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
• Layering Options: Get creative with your layering by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache between the layers for extra indulgence.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly Banana Pudding: To make a keto-friendly version of banana pudding, substitute the instant pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk with a keto-friendly alternative, such as sugar-free pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk made with low-carb sweeteners. You can also use sliced strawberries or raspberries instead of bananas for a lower-carb option.
• Adding Depth to Your Banana Pudding Experience:
• Enhance the Flavor: Add toasted coconut flakes between the layers for a tropical twist, or incorporate a splash of rum or bourbon into the pudding mixture for an adult twist.
• Creative Presentation: Create individual servings by layering the ingredients in small jars or dessert cups, or transform your banana pudding into a trifle by layering it with complementary ingredients such as crushed pineapple, diced mango, or whipped cream.

With these additional tips and variations, you can customize your banana pudding to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, whether you’re following a traditional recipe or experimenting with keto and low-carb alternatives. Enjoy the creamy decadence of homemade banana pudding and savor every delightful bite!

Source: plusdeclics.com