There are just some flavors that feel like a warm hug, right? For me, nothing beats that cozy combination of peanut butter and banana. It’s pure comfort food bliss! That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding. This isn’t your average pudding; it’s got this incredible baked, custardy texture that’s just divine. Honestly, I developed this recipe years ago when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s become a family favorite for a reason – it’s ridiculously easy and tastes absolutely magical. If you love that classic peanut butter and banana combo, trust me, this pudding is going to be your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
Seriously, this pudding is a game-changer! Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:
- Super Easy to Make: You can whip this up with minimal fuss. The steps are simple, and you probably already have most of the ingredients!
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: That classic peanut butter and banana pairing is pure magic. It’s sweet, a little nutty, and just incredibly satisfying.
- Wonderfully Creamy Texture: This isn’t a runny pudding; it bakes up to this delightfully dense, creamy, almost cake-like texture that’s just heavenly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight craving, a potluck, or a special dessert, this pudding always hits the spot.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this delightful treat. It’s pretty straightforward, and honestly, the magic is in how these simple things come together! You’ll want to grab:
- 1 cup of your favorite peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, dealer’s choice!)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter, make sure it’s softened so it creams up nicely
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract – don’t skimp on this!
- 1/4 cup of milk (whole milk gives the best richness, in my opinion)
- 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas – the riper, the sweeter and more banana-y the flavor!
- 1/2 cup of crushed vanilla wafers. You can crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or give them a quick pulse in a food processor.
That’s it! See? Nothing too crazy. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the whole process so smooth.
Tips for the Perfect Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
Making this pudding is pretty foolproof, but I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that really make it sing. Trust me, these little details will take your pudding from good to absolutely amazing!
First off, don’t skimp on the bananas! You want those bananas to be *really* ripe, like, spotted and practically begging to be mashed. The riper they are, the sweeter they’ll be and the more intense that lovely banana flavor will come through. Plus, they’ll mash up so much easier!
Next, when you’re creaming the peanut butter, sugar, and butter, make sure that butter is truly softened, not melted. You want it to cream up nice and fluffy with the sugar and peanut butter. This step is super important for getting that wonderfully tender texture. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend well, and if it’s melted, your pudding might turn out a bit greasy.
Also, be gentle when you fold in the crushed vanilla wafers. You don’t want to overmix them. Just a few gentle folds to get them incorporated is all you need. We want little pockets of wafer goodness, not a mushy batter. It’s a fine line, but you’ll get it!
And finally, for that perfect doneness check, the toothpick test is your friend, just like the recipe says. But also, give the edges of the pudding a gentle poke. It should feel set and springy. If it still looks wobbly or wet in the center after the toothpick comes out clean, give it another few minutes. A slightly underbaked pudding is okay, but truly overbaked can get a little dry. You want it moist and creamy!
Looking for more peanut butter banana magic?
How to Make Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! This pudding comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a heavenly treat in no time.
Preheating and Preparing the Dish
First things first, get that oven going! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and give it a good grease. A little butter or cooking spray will do the trick to make sure your pudding slides right out.
Creaming the Peanut Butter Mixture
In your biggest mixing bowl, dump in the peanut butter, sugar, and softened butter. Now, get to work! You want to cream these together until they’re nice and smooth. It should look light and well combined – this is key for a great texture.
Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, let’s add the eggs. Beat them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in that lovely splash of vanilla extract. This step makes everything come together beautifully.
Preparing the Banana Mixture
In a separate little bowl, mash up those ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. Whisk in the milk until it’s all combined. Remember, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be! If you have extra ripe bananas, they’re perfect here.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now for the magic! Gradually add your banana and milk mixture to the big peanut butter bowl. Mix it all up until everything is just combined and looks gorgeous. You’re almost there!
Folding in the Vanilla Wafers
Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers. Don’t overmix here; we just want them distributed throughout the batter. They add such a delicate crunch and another layer of flavor!
Baking the Pudding
Pour all that deliciousness into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked right into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s baked, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a bit before you dig in. It’s fantastic served warm, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream or some extra banana slices!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Peanut butter can be a personal choice, so feel free to use your favorite! Creamy works beautifully for a super smooth pudding, but crunchy adds a fun little texture surprise. Just make sure it’s a standard peanut butter, not a natural one that separates easily, as that might change the texture a bit. And those bananas? Seriously, aim for the spotty ones! They’re packed with natural sweetness and flavor, which is exactly what we want here. If you can’t find vanilla wafers, graham crackers or even shortbread cookies would work in a pinch, just crush them up the same way.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This pudding is wonderfully versatile! You can serve it warm right out of the oven for a comforting dessert, or let it chill in the fridge for a delightful cool treat. Either way, a few toppings really elevate it – think fluffy whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or even some extra fresh banana slices on top. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try stirring in a handful of chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon along with the crushed wafers? It adds another layer of deliciousness!
Want even more peanut buttery goodness? You might love these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies too!
Frequently Asked Questions about Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
Got questions? I’ve got answers! This pudding is pretty straightforward, but here are a few things folks often ask:
Can I make this peanut butter banana pudding ahead of time?
You sure can! This pudding is actually great made ahead. Just let it cool completely after baking, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for a couple of days. It’s perfect for when you want dessert ready to go!
What kind of peanut butter is best for this recipe?
I usually go for a standard creamy peanut butter because it blends so smoothly and gives that classic creamy texture. But honestly, crunchy peanut butter works too if you like a little extra bite! Just avoid the super-natural kinds that tend to separate a lot, as they can sometimes affect the texture.
Can I freeze this delicious pudding?
While you *can* freeze it, I wouldn’t say it’s my top recommendation. Freezing and thawing can sometimes make the texture a bit crumbly or watery. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh or chilled from the fridge within a few days.
How do I make sure my bananas are perfectly ripe?
Look for bananas with lots of brown spots on the peel – the more spots, the better! They’ll be much sweeter and softer, which means they mash up easily and give your pudding that amazing natural banana flavor and sweetness without needing extra sugar.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for recipes can bounce around a bit depending on exactly what you use! This is a rough estimate per serving for our Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding. We’re looking at around 350 calories, with about 20g of fat (7g of that’s saturated), 40g of carbs (3g fiber) and 10g of protein. You’ll also find about 30g of sugar in there. It’s a treat, for sure!
Print
Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and creamy peanut butter banana pudding recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, sugar, and softened butter until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and mashed bananas.
- Gradually add the banana mixture to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the crushed vanilla wafers.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Top with whipped cream or extra banana slices if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: peanut butter, banana, pudding, dessert, easy, creamy, baked