Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding from scratch is a quick and easy dessert. Rich and creamy vanilla pudding, combined with layers of crunchy vanilla wafers and perfectly ripe bananas. Easy to assemble and packed with flavor, this is a favorite at any gathering, potluck, picnic, or Holiday! Also try my Shortcut Banana Pudding Poke Cake for another banana dessert option!
Can Banana Pudding Be Made the Night Before?
Yes, in fact, that is probably best as that will allow all the flavors to really fuse together. If making the night before, simply omit placing the fresh banana slices on top and place pan covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator, uncover, and place fresh banana slices on top. You can also omit the crushed vanilla wafers from the top when chilling and place on top just before serving for an added crunch.
How do I keep bananas from browning in banana pudding?
The bananas in the layers won’t brown since they’re not directly exposed to the air, but the Nilla Wafers will soften over time. The bananas on top will brown after a bit, which is why its best to place on top just prior to serving. Of course, browned bananas are not bad for you and do not taste any different, but won’t be as pretty as a look.
How To Keep Bananas Fresh
How long can you keep banana pudding in the fridge?
After making banana pudding, which requires 3-4 hours of refrigeration, you should only keep it out of the fridge for about 2 hours. After that, your creamy dessert needs to be returned to the cold. Obviously, this means you can’t keep a pan of banana pudding on the kitchen counter for a few days.
What happens to a banana when you put it in the refrigerator?
When putting a banana in the fridge, the skin will become a dark brown color. This happens because the cold of the refrigerator inhibits the hormone that helps bananas to ripen, called ethylene, so the yellow skin turns brown.
How long does frozen banana pudding last?
Frozen banana pudding lasts for one month. You’ve decided that you can’t keep the banana pudding in the refrigerator or eat it in 3-4 days. Knowing how to freeze the uneaten portion is key to keeping it flavorful. Grab an airtight container—one smaller than the original.
Can you freeze banana pudding?
You’re in luck! Yes, you can freeze banana pudding. Remember, banana pudding contains a lot of water, meaning it will freeze well. There’s one little caveat to this: Moisture is a double-edged sword when it comes time to thaw your dessert. Once your creamy, velvety pudding starts to freeze, the water transforms into crystals.