Patti Labelle's Banana Pudding Recipe

Indulge in the iconic Patti Labelle's Banana Pudding recipe. Creamy, dreamy, and perfect for your next dessert adventure.

The Fourth of July is all about celebrating the spirit of freedom and indulging in delicious treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

What better way to do that than with a classic dessert that's both comforting and indulgent? Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding is a timeless favorite.

This creamy, dreamy dessert is bound to be the star of your holiday spread.

What is Patti Labelle's Banana Pudding?

Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding is a dessert that embodies the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

It's a luscious combination of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers.

This recipe has achieved legendary status for its unforgettable taste and has been a beloved dish for years.

It's a perfect blend of sweet and creamy, with the refreshing zing of bananas and the comforting crunch of vanilla wafers.

Origin

Patti LaBelle, the renowned American singer and cookbook author, introduced this mouthwatering banana pudding recipe in her cookbook.

It quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved classic across the United States.

Taste

Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding offers a taste of pure indulgence.

The creamy custard is rich and velvety, the bananas add a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, while the vanilla wafers provide a delightful crunch.

When all these elements come together, it creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that are both comforting and delicious.

Why Make This Recipe

• It's a crowd-pleaser: Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding is loved by all ages and is sure to be a hit at your Fourth of July gathering.
• Classic comfort: This dessert is a comforting reminder of traditional American flavors, perfect for the holiday.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance, saving you time on the big day.
• Versatile: It's a dessert that pairs well with a variety of main courses and complements other Fourth of July dishes.
• Nostalgia factor: Recreating a classic like this adds a sense of nostalgia and tradition to your celebration.

Recipe Essentials

• Vanilla wafers: These provide a delightful crunch and a touch of vanilla flavor to the dessert.
• Ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are just ripe, not overly mushy. They'll provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Whole milk: Essential for creating the creamy custard base.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a velvety texture to the custard.
• Heavy cream: Enhances the richness of the custard.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps it thicken.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the custard.
• Egg yolks: These contribute to the custard's richness and texture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a touch of richness and flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: For that lovely vanilla aroma and taste.

Equipment

• Saucepan: Essential for making the custard.
• Whisk: Used for mixing and ensuring the custard is smooth.
• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Serving dish: Where you'll assemble your banana pudding.
• Plastic wrap: To cover and chill the pudding.
• Optional: Electric mixer for whipping cream

Possible substitutes for some equipment include using a double boiler instead of a saucepan, and a handheld electric mixer can replace a stand mixer for whipping cream.

Ingredients

• 1 box of vanilla wafers
• 6 ripe bananas
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Start by lining the bottom of a serving dish with vanilla wafers.
2. Slice the ripe bananas and layer them on top of the wafers.
3. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and then add them to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and sweetened condensed milk while whisking to create a smooth mixture.
5. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Make sure it doesn't boil.
6. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
7. Pour a portion of the custard over the bananas and vanilla wafers to create a layer.
8. Repeat the process with another layer of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and custard until you've used up all the ingredients. Finish with a layer of custard on top.
9. Cover the pudding and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours until it's well-set and the flavors meld together.
10. Just before serving, you can optionally add some whipped cream or extra vanilla wafers on top for garnish.

Patti Labelle's Banana Pudding

Cuisine: American

Category: Dessert

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 450 calories

Publisher: Fourth of July Recipes

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 247 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Patti Labelle's Banana Pudding, Recipe, Patti Labelle's Banana Pudding Recipe, Top rated, Fourth of July