# What You 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 cream
11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until thoroughly combined. Gradually whisk in whole milk until mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
02 - Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with whisk to prevent scorching. Cook until mixture thickens noticeably and just begins to bubble, approximately 6–8 minutes.
03 - In a separate mixing bowl, lightly beat egg yolks with fork or whisk. Whisk approximately 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture into yolks to gradually raise temperature, then immediately return yolk mixture to saucepan while whisking continuously.
04 - Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until pudding reaches desired thickness and smooth consistency. Remove from heat. Stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
05 - Transfer pudding to clean bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface to prevent skin formation. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 1 hour.
06 - In 2- to 2.5-quart serving dish or trifle bowl, create layers using one-third of vanilla wafers, one-third of banana slices, and one-third of chilled pudding. Repeat layering process two more times, ending with pudding as final top layer.
07 - Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap or lid. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and cookies to soften slightly.
08 - Just before serving, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form and cream holds shape when lifted.
09 - Spread or pipe whipped cream over top layer of pudding. Optionally garnish with additional vanilla wafers or fresh banana slices. Serve cold.
