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If you’re looking for a classic comfort food recipe that will please everyone, then look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s delicious Banana Pudding. Sweet and creamy with a hint of banana flavor, this luscious dessert is sure to become an instant family favorite. With its easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, creating this scrumptious dish doesn’t require any special skills or advanced techniques – making it the perfect treat for novice cooks and experienced bakers alike!
Highly customizable too, the Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding can be whipped up in minutes with whatever ingredients you already have on hand. Keep reading to find out how to make your own version of this heavenly delight!
Definition of Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a comforting classic dessert that’s been around for generations. It usually consists of a creamy vanilla-flavored custard, layered with slices of fresh banana and Nilla wafers – although variations can include the addition of other fruits and flavors as well. The end product is an indulgent, dreamy treat that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
History of Banana Pudding
It’s believed that the classic banana pudding recipe was first created in the early 1800s, as a way to make use of overripe bananas. The dessert quickly became popular throughout the United States, and has been a staple at potluck dinners and family gatherings ever since.
Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
- 2 (7.5 ounce) packages Nilla wafers
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour and cinnamon. Slowly stir in the milk until smooth. Whisk in the eggs and melted butter until combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer over top of the custard. Place Nilla wafers on top of the bananas, completely covering them.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until lightly golden brown and set. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!
Suggestions for Decorating or Garnishing the Dish

For added flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted coconut over the top of the pudding before baking. You can also garnish each serving with a few fresh banana slices and a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special touch, try drizzling some caramel sauce on top!
Advice on Storing Leftovers Properly
Leftover banana pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers before serving, either in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven until warm throughout. Alternatively, you can also freeze your leftover pudding for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions | Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding
1. Is banana pudding better with Nilla Wafers or vanilla wafers?
The Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding recipe calls for Nilla Wafers, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. If you like a sweet cookie, then the Nilla wafers will be a great addition. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, then vanilla wafers are the way to go.
2. How long can I leave banana pudding out of the refrigerator?
The FDA advises that perishable food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. So if you’re planning on serving this delicious banana pudding, make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute fresh bananas for canned ones?
Yes! Feel free to use either fresh or canned bananas for this recipe. If you opt for fresh, just make sure that they are ripe and sliced into small pieces so that they’ll blend nicely with the other ingredients.
4. Does banana pudding need to be refrigerated after baking?
Yes, it does! In order to keep your delicious dessert safe from spoilage, it is important to store it in the fridge after baking and before serving.
5. Is there a way to make banana pudding without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the eggs in the recipe with a combination of cornstarch and heavy cream. This substitution will work just as well and give you a delicious egg-free version of this classic dish.
6. How long can I store banana pudding in the refrigerator?
If stored properly, your homemade banana pudding will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it covered tightly or sealed in an airtight container to avoid any spoilage.
7. Can I freeze leftover banana pudding?
Yes! The best way to freeze leftover banana pudding is by transferring it into an airtight container and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight and enjoy!

Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding
Equipment
- baking dish
- Medium bowl
- whisk
Instructions
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
- 2 (7.5 ounce) packages Nilla wafers
Notes
Final Thoughts
With a few accessible ingredients and pantry staples, the Pioneer Woman’s Banana Pudding recipe is an absolute must-try. Not only does it provide a tasty treat with its creamy texture, but it makes for a lovely presentation. Plus, this easy-to-follow recipe doesn’t require too much of your time so you can enjoy the goodness of the dish without having to put in too much effort.
If you want something cool and light for dessert that will wow your guests (or just yourself!), give this banana pudding recipe a try. No matter when or where you serve it, everyone will love this classic comfort food—and as Ree Drummond puts it, “Now that’s what I call Southern perfection!”
Read more at Ohsnap Cupcakes!