Banana Pudding Trifle
Banana Pudding Trifle is layers of homemade vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, Nilla Wafers, pound cake, and whipped cream. If that's not irresistible, I don't know what is!
Banana pudding is a dessert that everyone loves. Who can resist a creamy dessert full of homemade vanilla pudding, whipped cream, bananas, and Nilla wafers? I definitely cannot!
I’m taking banana pudding up a few notches by turning it into a layered trifle. In addition to the traditional dessert components of banana pudding, this trifle has chunks of pound cake layered between the pudding, bananas, and whipped cream.
Homemade Vanilla Pudding
While many banana pudding recipes call for a couple of boxes of pudding mix, I wholeheartedly think it’s worth the extra 12 minutes to make homemade pudding. I promise you, it isn’t difficult and it absolutely makes this trifle over-the-top delicious!
The same goes for the homemade whipped cream. Sure, you could use Cool Whip and believe me - I love me some Cool Whip. However, in this case, you have to go with the homemade whipped cream. I did, however, save time with the pound cake. A pre-made pound cake will do just fine in this trifle!
Not only is this Banana Pudding Trifle delicious, but it’s a show-stopper in looks, too. A glass trifle bowl works best so you can show off all of the layers of this dessert and show everyone just how special this dessert is!
This is the perfect dessert for a backyard barbecue, Sunday supper, or a potluck.
We shared this dessert with neighbors and family and it received rave reviews all around. I have to admit - we were regretting sharing so much of it!
How to Make Banana Pudding Trifle
First, you'll want to make the homemade vanilla pudding. As I mentioned earlier, this isn't difficult at all - just a little whisking of the ingredients on the stovetop, and some time for it to chill and set up completely. Pro tip: cover your pudding with a layer of plastic wrap so it doesn't get a gooey film on top.
Next, make the homemade whipped cream. If you have an electric mixer, making whipped cream is painless and so easy. If you don't have one or just want an arm workout, you can whip it by hand!
The last few steps just involve some cutting. Slice the bananas into thin slices. Cube the pound cake into bite-sized pieces. Then, you'll layer it all up!
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Banana Pudding Trifle
Ingredients
Vanilla Pudding
- 5 cups milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
Whipped Cream
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Nilla Wafers
- 16 ounce pound cake
Instructions
Make the Pudding:
- Place milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add the sugar/egg mixture, cornstarch, and salt to the milk and whisk well to combine.
- Continue cooking until mixture is bubbling, whisking occasionally so the bottom doesn't burn.
- Once bubbling, cook another 1-2 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Note: it will thicken up more as it cools.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the butter has melted.
- Let cool 30-60 minutes.
Make the Whipped Cream:
- Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt to a large mixing bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. You will know they are stiff peaks when you remove the beater from the whipped cream and the whipped cream forms a peak that stands up straight and does not curl.
To Assemble:
- In a medium to large trifle bowl, add 1 ½ cups of the vanilla pudding, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the bowl.
- Layer with slices of one banana.
- Top with half of the pound cake cubes, followed by 2 cups of whipped cream and enough Nilla wafers to evenly spread across whipped cream.
- Repeat with remaining pudding, another banana, remaining pound cake cubes, and remaining whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with crushed Nilla wafers and additional sliced bananas.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve and enjoy!
