Banana Pudding For One

Caramelized Banana Pudding in a dessert glass.

5 from 3 votes

This single serving banana pudding is made with layers of vanilla wafers, creamy homemade pudding, and caramelized bananas. Topped with whipped cream, it’s a rich and comforting dessert perfect for one.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: banana pudding, best banana pudding recipe, caramelized banana pudding, easy banana pudding, old fashioned banana pudding, southern banana pudding

Servings: serving

Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Pudding

½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramelized Bananas

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar -packed
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 medium banana -sliced

For the Whipped Cream

¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon granulated sugar

For the Dessert

6-8 vanilla wafers

US - Metric

Instructions

Make the Pudding

In a 1-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, combine milk, sugar, and salt. Stir occasionally until steaming, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk cream and cornstarch until smooth.
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the warm milk. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla until melted. Pour into a bowl to cool. The pudding will thicken as it cools.

Make the Caramelized Bananas

In an 8- or 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
Add brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir for 30 seconds until the sugar melts.
Slice the banana and add to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Make the Whipped Cream

Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the heavy cream and sugar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Tip: Soft peaks curl down and melt back into the mixture when you lift the whisk.

Assemble the Dessert

Line the bottom of an 8-ounce dessert dish or 10-ounce ramekin with half of the vanilla wafers.
Spoon half of the caramelized bananas over the cookies.
Pour half of the pudding on top and spread evenly.
Repeat with remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding.
Top with whipped cream and crumbled vanilla wafers, if desired.
Serve warm or refrigerate for a few hours before enjoying.

Notes

Prep First: This recipe moves quickly. Gather all ingredients and read through the full instructions before starting.
Use Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: These give the pudding its creamy texture. Substitutes like low-fat milk, nondairy milk, or half-and-half will result in a thinner pudding.
Cookie Options: Nilla Wafers are traditional, but graham crackers work well if that’s what you have on hand.

Nutrition

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