Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce

 

Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce

A Southern Classic with a Sweet, Gooey Twist

Banana pudding is already a beloved dessert, especially in Southern kitchens—layered with creamy custard, fresh bananas, and soft vanilla wafers. But when you add a rich, buttery caramel sauce into the mix? You take this classic comfort dessert to an entirely new level of indulgence.

This Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce is a showstopper. It’s perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, holidays, or whenever you're craving something nostalgic, comforting, and just a little extra. The sweetness of the bananas blends perfectly with the warmth of homemade caramel, creating a balance of flavor and texture that’s impossible to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍌 Creamy, dreamy, and full of banana flavor

• 🍮 Elevated with a silky, homemade caramel sauce

• 🧁 Perfect for make-ahead desserts

• 💛 A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any event

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Ingredients

For the Banana Pudding:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 ½ cups cold water

• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream

• 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 box vanilla wafers (or shortbread cookies)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water. Add the vanilla pudding mix and whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 5–10 minutes to allow it to set slightly.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined and fluffy. Set aside.

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2. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it becomes a golden amber liquid, stirring constantly. Add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (be careful—it may bubble up) and whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly before using.

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3. Assemble the Banana Pudding

In a trifle dish, 9x13-inch pan, or individual serving glasses, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.

Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce generously over the top. For extra flair, garnish with crushed cookies, whipped cream, or a few banana slices.

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4. Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Serve chilled—and prepare for compliments.

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Tips & Variations

• 🥥 For a tropical twist: Add toasted coconut to the layers.

• 🍫 For chocolate lovers: Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache with the caramel.

• 🍪 Cookie swap: Try graham crackers or biscoff cookies for a flavor variation.

• 🥄 Make it boozy: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel for an adult version.

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Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce is everything you love about the original—with an extra layer of decadence. The homemade caramel ties everything together with its rich, buttery finish, making each spoonful truly unforgettable.

It’s nostalgic, elegant, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you're serving a crowd or treating yourself to a little kitchen therapy, this dessert deserves a spot in your rotation.