This is banana pudding the long way — and the dreamy way. Silky vanilla bean custard, fresh banana slices, and crisp homemade wafers come together in perfect balance, each bite rich without being heavy. It’s a dessert rooted in comfort, elevated by patience, and absolutely worth the extra steps.
Banana Pudding Cups (From Scratch)
Made entirely from scratch, these banana pudding cups are luxuriously creamy with a deep vanilla flavor. While shortcuts work, the homemade pastry cream and freshly baked wafers turn this nostalgic dessert into something truly special.
Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream
Ingredients
1 large egg yolk
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup whole milk
Seeds from 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until pale and smooth.
In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream, milk, and vanilla just until steaming and barely bubbling at the edges.
While whisking constantly, slowly pour about half of the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture to temper it.
Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking continuously (especially around the edges), until thick and custardy.
Strain through a fine sieve into a clean bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate until completely cold.
Malted Vanilla Wafers
Makes one tray
Ingredients
¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
1 egg yolk + ½ egg white
2 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp malted milk powder (optional)
1 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolk, egg white, and vanilla until smooth.
Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and malted milk powder (if using). Mix on low until combined, then add the cream to loosen the dough.
Pipe small rounds onto the baking sheet and gently flatten with a damp fingertip.
Bake for 12 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
To Assemble
Ingredients
1–2 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
Whipped cream (for homemade: ½ cup COLD heavy cream, beaten until fluffy with with 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp vanilla)
Assembly
Layer pastry cream, banana slices, and vanilla wafers in small cups or jars. Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream. Chill briefly before serving.