A Southern Classic with a Buttery Caramel Twist
When it comes to comfort desserts, banana pudding is a true legend — beloved across generations and perfect for any occasion. But when you add a golden drizzle of caramel sauce, this humble treat turns into a show-stopping dessert worthy of celebrations.
This recipe features layers of silky vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, crunchy (or softened) cookies, and a smooth, buttery caramel that ties everything together. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat or slightly warm for an extra indulgent experience.
🧾 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Creamy, dreamy texture with soft layers and bold flavors
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✅ Homemade caramel adds a gourmet flair
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✅ Easy to assemble — no baking needed
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✅ Make-ahead friendly
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✅ Crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, and parties
🍽 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
🥣 For the Vanilla Pudding:
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2 cups whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup cornstarch
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¼ teaspoon salt
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4 egg yolks
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
🥄 Shortcut: You can use 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) of instant vanilla pudding mix with 3 cups cold milk if you’re in a hurry — but homemade is worth the effort!
🍌 For the Banana Layer:
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4–5 ripe bananas, sliced into coins
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
🍪 For the Cookie Layer:
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1 box (about 12 oz) vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or graham crackers
Optional: Use biscoff cookies for a caramel note or butter cookies for richness.
🍮 For the Homemade Caramel Sauce:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
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½ cup heavy cream, warmed slightly
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Pinch of salt
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
🧂 For salted caramel, increase salt to ½ tsp or use salted butter.
🍳 Equipment Needed
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Medium saucepan
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Whisk and wooden spoon
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Mixing bowls
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Trifle dish, 9×13 pan, or individual jars
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Plastic wrap or lid for chilling
⏲ Time Overview
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Prep Time: 20–25 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Chill Time: 2–4 hours (minimum for best texture)
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Total Time: ~3 hours (mostly hands-off)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Make the Vanilla Pudding
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, milk, and cream.
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Gradually whisk the wet mixture into the dry ingredients in the saucepan.
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Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently (8–10 minutes).
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Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the pudding into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 1 hour, or until set.
🍮 Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
⚠️ Be careful: caramel gets very hot. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir continuously.
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Add sugar to a dry saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula.
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The sugar will clump, then melt into a golden amber liquid (about 8–10 minutes). Stir gently to avoid burning.
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Once fully melted and deep golden, carefully add butter (it will bubble rapidly). Stir until melted.
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Slowly pour in warm heavy cream, stirring constantly. It will foam and sizzle—this is normal.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
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Let cool slightly before using. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
🍌 Step 3: Prep the Bananas and Cookies
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Slice bananas into ¼-inch thick rounds. Toss with lemon juice to minimize browning.
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Separate cookies — you can use whole for a crunchier layer or lightly crush for a softer texture.
🧁 Step 4: Assemble the Layers
In your serving dish (trifle bowl, 9×13 pan, or mason jars), layer in the following order:
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Base layer: Spread a few spoonfuls of pudding on the bottom.
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Add a single layer of cookies.
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Layer banana slices over cookies.
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Drizzle a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce over the bananas.
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Add a thick layer of pudding.
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Repeat the layers 1–2 more times until all ingredients are used.
🎨 Finish with pudding and a generous caramel drizzle on top. Garnish with crushed cookies, banana slices, or whipped cream.
❄️ Step 5: Chill and Serve
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Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours minimum, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
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Serve cold with extra caramel sauce on the side if desired.
🥗 Serving Tips
Serve in:
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A large glass trifle bowl for stunning presentation
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9×13 pan for easy slicing and transport
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Mini mason jars or cups for individual servings
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Small dessert bowls with an extra caramel drizzle
Garnish with:
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Whipped cream
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Crushed cookies or toffee bits
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Toasted nuts (pecans or walnuts)
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Banana chips for crunch
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Fridge:
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Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Bananas may darken slightly after 48 hours — still tasty, but best eaten fresh-ish.
Freezer:
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Not recommended to freeze due to the pudding and banana texture changing.
Make Ahead:
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Pudding and caramel sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.
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Assemble up to 24 hours before serving.
🔄 Variations
🍫 Chocolate Banana Pudding:
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Use chocolate pudding or swirl in melted chocolate or Nutella between layers.
🥥 Coconut-Caramel Banana Pudding:
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Swap milk for coconut milk and use toasted coconut in between layers.
🍪 Cookie Madness:
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Mix up the cookie layer with chocolate chip cookies, ladyfingers, or Oreos for new textures and flavors.
🧂 Salted Caramel Crunch:
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Add salted caramel and chopped pretzels or crushed toffee for sweet-salty delight.
📊 Nutritional Information (per serving – approx. 1 cup)
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Calories: ~350–450
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Fat: ~18g
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Carbs: ~50g
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Sugar: ~30g
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Protein: ~4g
(Varies based on caramel, cookie type, and portion size)
✅ Tips for Success
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Use ripe but firm bananas — overripe bananas get mushy too fast.
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Let the pudding cool completely before assembling.
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Press plastic wrap directly onto pudding to avoid skin formation.
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For a firmer pudding layer, chill assembled dessert overnight.
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Make extra caramel — you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!
❤️ Final Thoughts
Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce is a heartwarming blend of familiar flavors and gourmet elegance. The creamy vanilla pudding melts into soft bananas and cookies, while the rich caramel sauce wraps it all in indulgent, buttery sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people back for seconds (and thirds).
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer BBQ, making something special for a holiday dinner, or just craving a layered, comforting treat, this banana pudding is guaranteed to wow.
