# 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
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and no lumps remain.
02 - Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or heat-proof spatula. Cook until mixture thickens and just begins to bubble, approximately 6-8 minutes.
03 - Lightly beat egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to warm them slowly, then return the entire yolk mixture to the saucepan while whisking constantly.
04 - Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until pudding reaches a thick, smooth consistency. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Transfer pudding to a clean bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.
06 - In a 2-2.5 quart serving dish or trifle bowl, create layers starting with 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 twice, ending with pudding as the final top layer.
07 - Cover the assembled dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
08 - Just before serving, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form that hold their shape when the beaters are lifted.
09 - Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top layer of pudding. Optionally garnish with crushed vanilla wafers or fresh banana slices. Serve immediately while chilled.
