Banana Pudding with Sourdough Nilla Wafers
Indulge in this decadent Banana Pudding with Sourdough Nilla Wafers, featuring homemade wafers crafted with sourdough discard. This dessert combines layers of thick and creamy banana pudding with the unique tang of sourdough wafers, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for any occasion, this treat is a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Sweetened condensed milk
Cold water
Instant vanilla pudding mix
Instant banana cream pudding mix
Heavy cream
Bananas
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
Sourdough discard
Egg
Vanilla extract
Tips for making Banana Pudding with Sourdough Nilla Wafers:
Use Sourdough Discard: Ensure your sourdough discard is active and bubbly for the best flavor and texture in the Nilla wafers. This helps create a light and slightly tangy wafer.
Chill the Dough: After mixing the Nilla wafer dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the wafers hold their shape during baking.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the Nilla wafers until they are golden brown and crisp. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool Completely: Allow the Nilla wafers to cool completely on a wire rack before layering them in the banana pudding. This ensures they remain crisp and provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy pudding.
Prepare Instant Pudding Mix: Follow the instructions below for preparing the banana pudding. You can use whole milk for a richer, creamier texture. Mix the pudding until it is smooth and thick.
Layering: When assembling the banana pudding, alternate layers of sliced bananas, sourdough Nilla wafers, and prepared pudding. Ensure each layer is evenly distributed for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Refrigerate Before Serving: Allow the assembled banana pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld together and softens the wafers slightly while keeping them from becoming too soggy.
Fresh Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas to ensure they hold their shape and add a natural sweetness to the pudding.
Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, top the banana pudding with a few extra sourdough Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream for added presentation and texture.
How to store Banana Pudding with Sourdough Nilla Wafers:
Refrigeration: Store the assembled banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the bananas and the creamy texture of the pudding.
Separate Components: If you prefer to keep the wafers crisp, store the banana pudding and sourdough Nilla wafers separately. Keep the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator and store the wafers in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble just before serving.
Cover Tightly: To prevent the pudding from forming a skin, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding before sealing the container. This also helps keep the bananas from browning too quickly.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for banana pudding, as the texture of the pudding and bananas can become watery and mushy upon thawing. The wafers can be frozen separately if needed.
Portion Control: If you expect to have leftovers, consider portioning the pudding into individual servings before refrigerating. This makes it easy to grab a portion and helps preserve the texture of the remaining pudding.
Short-term Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, the banana pudding can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After this time, it should be returned to the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Check out my other banana-flavored recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try this banana pudding with sourdough nilla wafers. Happy baking!
