Happy Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I want to make a large container of banana pudding for a family event on Saturday. I'd need to make it tonight and it will have to travel in an ice chest for a few hours tomorrow. Will I be making a soggy mess or sweet cool deliciousness? Any thoughts on making this travel a success? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I make this version and keep it refrigerated for several hours or even overnight and it's delicious! I prefer the chessmen cookies and I like way they hold up. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 Depends on how you make your banana pudding. I don't think a traditional meringue would hold up, but something like Cool Whip would. We've just discovered Truwhip and like it quite a lot www.truwhip.com. I don't know about homemade pudding vs instant, as I haven't tried to transport one like that (or made one in quite a while, I have to admit). Yesterday, I made a version with instant vanilla pudding, vanilla wafers, cream cheese (used a brand made with Greek yogurt and liked it), and very ripe bananas. We ate it last night and just this evening for dessert and it held up well overnight in the fridge. If you're concerned, could you take the ingredients separately, then assemble when you get where you're going, as long as there are a couple of hours between making it and the meal? It sounds like you will have a good span of time at your destination? You could take the bananas, whipped topping, cookies, and made up pudding in separate containers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 You've come to the right place, as I am a pro banana pudding maker. Banana pudding is at peak tastiness about eight to ten hours after it is made, but quality does not deteriorate significantly until about 16 hours after its assembly. I have successfully transported pudding over state lines (a couple of hours) without a cooler, though I do ensure that it finds a secure location in my car out of direct sunlight and, more importantly, out of arm's reach from my passengers. If you make the pudding tomorrow night and then consume it around lunchtime on Saturday, you should be fine. If you wait until dinner on Saturday, I would try to make it Saturday morning instead. Don't worry about the meringue; meringue on banana pudding is an abomination anyway. The vanilla wafers, bananas and vanilla speak for themselves. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I think banana pudding improves with some age. I think you're pushing the limit, but IMO it's totally do-able. However, I make a super thick version using sweetened condensed milk. It tends to hold up much better than versions with a somewhat thinner pudding. I agree with not using a traditional meringue (but I agree that's an abomination anyway). I've transported it many times. It should do fine in a cooler. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 Banana pudding is the nectar of the gods, right up there with good coffee and mead. I'm drooling just thinking about it, second only the the intense blood sugar spike I'm imagining after eating it :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 but something like Cool Whip would. We've just discovered Truwhip and like it quite a lot www.truwhip.com. You're really going to need to take that back. For your sake, in case you'd like to delete it later, I have not quoted your references to instant pudding. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share Posted July 2, 2015 The Hive rocks! I'm so glad there are other banana pudding lovers here. I'm thinking that taking the ingredients and whipping it up on Saturday morning would be best....that's too bad because I really wanted to sample some tonight. :) No meringue here, either! We make our custard from scratch---milk, cream, eggs, sugar and vanilla...sigh... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 You're really going to need to take that back. For your sake, in case you'd like to delete it later, I have not quoted your references to instant pudding.LOL, I know. I do know how to make a good traditional Southern banana pudding, complete with made from scratch pudding and baked meringue, and have done so, but convenience wins out all too often, I'm afraid. Not the same, but it is doable, and I have zero foodie rep to maintain. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaVT Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I feel like you guys are in some kind of banana pudding club - am I the only one who's never had this?? Have I lived a sheltered banana puddingless life? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I feel like you guys are in some kind of banana pudding club - am I the only one who's never had this?? Have I lived a sheltered banana puddingless life? Have you eaten a layered dessert of pudding with cut up bananas, Nilla wafers and whipped cream? That's (generally) what it is. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I feel like you guys are in some kind of banana pudding club - am I the only one who's never had this?? Have I lived a sheltered banana puddingless life? Oh, that is so sad. Let me know if you ever pass through Atlanta, and I'll meet you at the exit and pass a good banana pudding through your window. Do NOT be tempted to pick up a container in your local Publix deli just because it is labeled as "banana pudding." Not so! BP needs to be a homemade vanilla custard, have no fake banana flavoring and be chock full of vanilla wafers as well as bananas. Two of my kids, my husband, my brother and my dad all request BP for their birthdays. Good stuff! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Oh, that is so sad. Let me know if you ever pass through Atlanta, and I'll meet you at the exit and pass a good banana pudding through your window. Do NOT be tempted to pick up a container in your local Publix deli just because it is labeled as "banana pudding." Not so! BP needs to be a homemade vanilla custard, have no fake banana flavoring and be chock full of vanilla wafers as well as bananas. Two of my kids, my husband, my brother and my dad all request BP for their birthdays. Good stuff! I am totally in love with you right now! That's how my grandma made her banana pudding too and it's the same recipe she passed down to me. In case you've never tried it, replace the bananas with diced pineapple in the same recipe. It's equally delicious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I make this version and keep it refrigerated for several hours or even overnight and it's delicious! I prefer the chessmen cookies and I like way they hold up. This is excellent. I also like the baked meringue version of banana pudding, but it doesn't travel well. Trader Joe's vanilla wafers are delicious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted July 3, 2015 Author Share Posted July 3, 2015 I am totally in love with you right now! That's how my grandma made her banana pudding too and it's the same recipe she passed down to me. In case you've never tried it, replace the bananas with diced pineapple in the same recipe. It's equally delicious. My grandmother made banana pudding for every social event she was invited to. Her recipe was lost to me for years, but the one I use is from another southern gal. I make bp in joyful memory of all those good times with my family growing up. Plus it's GOOD. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted July 3, 2015 Author Share Posted July 3, 2015 I feel like you guys are in some kind of banana pudding club - am I the only one who's never had this?? Have I lived a sheltered banana puddingless life? Perhaps we can make and super ship you some... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I make this version and keep it refrigerated for several hours or even overnight and it's delicious! I prefer the chessmen cookies and I like way they hold up.Yes! I grew up eating all sorts of banana pudding, but I had this version just this past Christmas and I nearly ate the entire pan. So good!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Of course you understand the social implications of being the one to bring the banana pudding? You have reached the pinnacle, my dear... at least to a good Southern gal. Only thing to top it would be someone showing up with a from-scratch Hummingbird Cake. Or poured frosting caramel cake. But, neither of those are better. These three comprise the southern pot luck dessert queen trifecta. Traditionally speaking, anyway. I can't imagine banana pudding without vanilla wafers, but I confess to being intrigued by the chessmen cookies. Trying to decide if I dare waver on the wafer with the next batch. Hmmmmm. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Of course you understand the social implications of being the one to bring the banana pudding? You have reached the pinnacle, my dear... at least to a good Southern gal. Only thing to top it would be someone showing up with a from-scratch Hummingbird Cake. Or poured frosting caramel cake. But, neither of those are better. These three comprise the southern pot luck dessert queen trifecta. Traditionally speaking, anyway. I can't imagine banana pudding without vanilla wafers, but I confess to being intrigued by the chessmen cookies. Trying to decide if I dare waver on the wafer with the next batch. Hmmmmm. Caramel caaaaaaaake. Clearly you must make a batch half and half for taste testing purposes. For science! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Caramel caaaaaaaake. Clearly you must make a batch half and half for taste testing purposes. For science! C H E M I S T R Y ! ! ! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I take Paula Deen's pudding to parties. It's too rich and sinful to be consumed by just my household. I carry it in bags and assemble at the party. I put the pudding in a bag. The sliced bananas in another, and the cookies in their package. It takes less than five minutes to toss the layers in a serving dish at the destination. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/not-yo-mamas-banana-pudding-recipe.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I take Paula Deen's pudding to parties. It's too rich and sinful to be consumed by just my household. I carry it in bags and assemble at the party. I put the pudding in a bag. The sliced bananas in another, and the cookies in their package. It takes less than five minutes to toss the layers in a serving dish at the destination. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/not-yo-mamas-banana-pudding-recipe.html Oh no! But you need to let it sit overnight so the wafers get soft. Yummo! No crunchy cookies in banana pudding. It's a rule. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Oh no! But you need to let it sit overnight so the wafers get soft. Yummo! No crunchy cookies in banana pudding. It's a rule. My parties are all in the north and my recipe is non-traditional and uses chessmen cookies. Nobody up here expects a soggy 'Nilla wafer and I'm happy not to oblige. It's not what I grew up on, and I'll eat the 'real' stuff, but I really don't prefer soggy cookies or browning bananas anymore so I make it my way. I also defy tradition when I make my potato salad. My grandmother knows not what to make of my crazy food notions. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Of course you understand the social implications of being the one to bring the banana pudding? You have reached the pinnacle, my dear... at least to a good Southern gal. Only thing to top it would be someone showing up with a from-scratch Hummingbird Cake. Or poured frosting caramel cake. But, neither of those are better. These three comprise the southern pot luck dessert queen trifecta. Traditionally speaking, anyway. I can't imagine banana pudding without vanilla wafers, but I confess to being intrigued by the chessmen cookies. Trying to decide if I dare waver on the wafer with the next batch. Hmmmmm. I rock all three of these desserts. In fact, my wedding cake, which I made myself, was layers of pound cake with caramel frosting (the boiled kind you usually pour over a bundt pound cake) as the filling and whipped cream frosting. It was divine. After testing about a dozen recipes for wedding cakes, I ended up using my grandmother's pound cake and caramel frosting recipes, which I had been making since I was a wee small child. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Funny that Hummingbird Cake has come up. I've been craving my modified recipe for Hummingbird Bars and I happen to have 2 perfectly ripe bananas. Yummy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Bannana pudding is DH's favorite!!! MIL makes hers with cool whip and instant pudding. I have made it several times from scratch and it has been so-so. I need a really good, traditional recipe. So all you experts, please share!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I make this version and keep it refrigerated for several hours or even overnight and it's delicious! I prefer the chessmen cookies and I like way they hold up. This looks so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I rock all three of these desserts. In fact, my wedding cake, which I made myself, was layers of pound cake with caramel frosting (the boiled kind you usually pour over a bundt pound cake) as the filling and whipped cream frosting. It was divine. After testing about a dozen recipes for wedding cakes, I ended up using my grandmother's pound cake and caramel frosting recipes, which I had been making since I was a wee small child. *starts knocking on doors in Atlanta for your cake* Are these family only recipes? :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 ok, first, meringue on banana pudding? Gross. Also, has to be Nilla wafers. Second, I had never heard of hummingbird cake. It looks AMAZING! I'm making that the next time I have a cake occasion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I make this version and keep it refrigerated for several hours or even overnight and it's delicious! I prefer the chessmen cookies and I like way they hold up. Going to the store now to get ingredients for tomorrow's party. I was trying to find a dessert with cream cheese! Thanks, Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Make the vanilla pudding now. Add in the chopped up bananas and 'Nilla wafers (if using) the day of the party. On a side note, I love Hummingbird Cake too. Better than carrot cake, IMHO. Another good party dessert is "Better than TeA cake" It has crushed pineapple, vanilla pudding, whipped cream/cool whip, and pecans. I'm not even a fan of crushed pineapple, but I love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Bannana pudding is DH's favorite!!! MIL makes hers with cool whip and instant pudding. I have made it several times from scratch and it has been so-so. I need a really good, traditional recipe. So all you experts, please share!! I prefer instant pudding to home-made custard. I grew up with the home-made version. My mom was an excellent cook/baker and she made almost everything from scratch. But I still like banana pudding better with pudding mix. Here's the recipe I use. It makes a very thick, rich pudding. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Bannana pudding is DH's favorite!!! MIL makes hers with cool whip and instant pudding. I have made it several times from scratch and it has been so-so. I need a really good, traditional recipe. So all you experts, please share!! The PaulaDean recipe linked above (by more than on poster) calls for either cool whip OR whipped cream. I always whip the cream. The pudding itself is decadent. You can certainly use it with vanilla wafers instead of the chessmen cookies. I really do think the best banana puddings use vanilla pudding instead of banana. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephanier.1765 Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 We love banana pudding! It's a must at every holiday and especially at my father's birthday. When my 2 older sons first brought their girlfriends (who both are from New Hampshire) to a holiday event, we couldn't believe they had never had banana pudding. I'm not sure if they fell in love with it like we all are but then again they didn't grow up with it and don't realize how special it is. I'm now in the mood to make an impromptu banana pudding for no good reason other than it's delicious. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaVT Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 Have you eaten a layered dessert of pudding with cut up bananas, Nilla wafers and whipped cream? That's (generally) what it is. I have not. It sounds yummy though! (I swear I wasn't raised by wolves!) Plansrme - Thank you!! I will totally take you up on your banana pudding offer! I'll keep you posted when we plan a trip to Atlanta. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 I love love love banana pudding...however, I've never made the pudding part from scratch. Does anyone have a good, thick, custard style pudding recipe?!?! I'm craving it right now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted July 6, 2015 Author Share Posted July 6, 2015 Quick update....I took all the ingredients to make the pudding there...used my sister in law's lovely cut crystal bowl.....didn't take long for it to be devoured... 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 I love love love banana pudding...however, I've never made the pudding part from scratch. Does anyone have a good, thick, custard style pudding recipe?!?! I'm craving it right now! I make a basic cornstarch vanilla pudding. You can turn it into chocolate too by adding cocoa powder. Then I layer chopped or sliced bananas and either 'Nilla wafers or the Pepperidge Farm chessman cookies. I've made Paula Deen's version with the cream cheese, but honestly it didn't taste better to me. I may or may not add whipped cream on top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.