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Creamy Southern Banana Pudding Recipe Easy Homemade Mason Jar Dessert

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A quick and easy southern-style banana pudding layered with Nilla wafers and fresh bananas, served in charming mason jars for a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (e.g., Jell-O)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold whole milk (or 2% milk for lighter version)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
  • About 2 cups (60 grams) Nilla Wafers
  • A tiny pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. While the pudding sets, whip the heavy cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the airiness.
  4. Peel and slice the ripe bananas into about 1/4-inch thick rounds just before layering to keep them fresh.
  5. Layer the jars starting with a spoonful of pudding at the bottom, then add 3-4 Nilla wafers, followed by banana slices. Repeat layers until jars are filled, ending with pudding on top.
  6. Cover the jars and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften slightly.
  7. Before serving, optionally garnish with whole or crushed Nilla wafers for extra crunch and presentation.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk and coconut cream. Use gluten-free vanilla wafer alternatives for gluten-free version. Slice bananas just before layering and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning. Do not over-whip cream; stop at soft peaks. Chill pudding overnight for best flavor melding. Add fresh wafers before serving if you prefer crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, southern dessert, mason jar dessert, Nilla wafers, easy banana pudding, creamy pudding, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/creamy-southern-banana-pudding-recipe-easy-homemade-mason-jar-dessert/