# What You'll Need:
→ Pudding Base
01 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
02 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
03 - 1/4 tsp salt
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
→ Assembly Components
08 - 1 box vanilla wafers (12 oz, about 45-50 cookies)
09 - 4 medium ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
→ Whipped Cream Topping
10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the milk until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or heat-proof spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble, approximately 6-8 minutes.
03 - Lightly beat egg yolks in a separate bowl. Whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them, then return the yolk mixture to the saucepan while whisking constantly.
04 - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Transfer pudding to a clean bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled, approximately 1 hour.
06 - In a 2-2.5 quart serving dish or trifle bowl, create layers starting with one-third of the vanilla wafers, followed by one-third of the banana slices, then one-third of the chilled pudding. Repeat this layering process twice more, ending with pudding as the top layer.
07 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
08 - Just before serving, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form and the mixture holds its shape.
09 - Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top layer of pudding. Optionally garnish with additional vanilla wafers or banana slices. Serve chilled.
