# What You'll Need:
→ Pudding Base
01 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
02 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Assembly Components
08 - 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers (about 45-50 cookies)
09 - 4 medium ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
→ Whipped Cream Topping
10 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the milk until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or heat-proof spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens considerably and just begins to bubble, approximately 6-8 minutes.
03 - Lightly beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to warm them slowly. Return the tempered yolk mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly to incorporate.
04 - Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thick and glossy. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
05 - Transfer the pudding to a clean bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 1 hour.
06 - In a 2-2.5 quart serving dish or trifle bowl, create layers using one-third of the vanilla wafers, followed by one-third of the banana slices, then one-third of the chilled pudding. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with pudding as the final top layer.
07 - Cover the assembled dessert tightly with plastic wrap or lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bananas to macerate slightly for optimal texture.
08 - Just before serving, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer or hand whisk. Beat until soft peaks form—when the beaters are lifted, the cream should hold gentle peaks that curl over slightly.
09 - Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the entire top layer of pudding. Optionally garnish with crushed vanilla wafers or additional banana slices. Serve chilled and enjoy within 24 hours for best texture.
