Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: 3 cups (very cold)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14-ounce) can
- Cold Water: 1 1/2 cups
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: 1 (5.1-ounce) box (large size)
- Vanilla Bean Paste: 1 teaspoon
- Nilla Wafers: 1 (12-ounce) box
- Ripe Bananas: 4 to 6, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the cold water, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm and chilled.
- Step 2: Pour the cold heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or use a handheld mixer). Beat on medium-high speed until medium-stiff peaks form, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the chilled pudding mixture from the refrigerator. Gently fold the vanilla powder and the firm pudding mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix and deflate the cream.
- Step 4: Begin layering the pudding in a 4-quart glass bowl or deep serving dish. Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom, followed by a layer of Nilla Wafers, then a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat the layers (pudding, wafers, bananas) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of the pudding mixture on top.
- Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, up to 8 hours. This allows the wafers to soften and absorb the pudding for the optimal texture before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, as the bananas will start to weep and brown after prolonged storage.
- This is a strictly chilled dessert; for the best creamy texture, serve straight from the refrigerator after the recommended 4 to 8 hours of softening time.
- For an elegant presentation, reserve a handful of whole Nilla Wafers and a few fresh banana slices to garnish the finished top layer right before serving.
- For maximum volume, ensure your heavy cream is extremely cold and fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding base very gently to avoid deflating the airy mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American