Print

Creamy Small-Batch Southern Banana Pudding for Two

small-batch southern banana pudding - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy small-batch banana pudding recipe perfect for two, featuring a creamy texture with a hint of cream cheese and classic vanilla wafers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 2 ounces (57 g) cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 large ripe banana, sliced
  • About 10 vanilla wafers
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks (optional topping)
  • A few crushed vanilla wafers for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until well mixed.
  2. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, then add the egg yolk and whisk until fully incorporated.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from heat. Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract, whisking until the pudding is silky smooth and creamy.
  5. Transfer pudding to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  6. In small baking dishes or ramekins, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat layers, finishing with pudding on top.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and meld flavors (1 hour if short on time).
  8. Before serving, optionally whip ¼ cup heavy cream to soft peaks and dollop on top. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers for added crunch.

Notes

Use room temperature egg yolk and cream cheese for best blending. Whisk constantly during cooking to avoid lumps. Press plastic wrap directly on pudding surface to prevent skin. For dairy-free, substitute almond milk and coconut cream; for gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies instead of vanilla wafers. Bananas brown quickly—toss in lemon juice if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, small-batch dessert, southern dessert, creamy banana pudding, easy banana pudding, dessert for two

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/creamy-small-batch-southern-banana-pudding-for-two-easy-recipe/