Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding is the ultimate Southern dessert—creamy, dreamy, and layered with nostalgia. With rich vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and sweet wafers, every bite tastes like comfort in a bowl!
Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding is a beloved Southern classic that combines creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and layers of sweet vanilla wafers.
It’s one of my favorite desserts, that I get from Cracker Barrel.
If you love a comforting, nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. Served chilled and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this pudding is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you love banana desserts, try my recipe for Fruity Pebbles Banana Pops, Ninja Creami Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream, or Air Fryer Banana Split.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Classic Southern Flavor – It delivers that nostalgic, homemade taste just like the one served at Cracker Barrel.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like pudding mix, bananas, and vanilla wafers—easy and budget-friendly.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert – Great for prepping ahead of time for parties, holidays, or busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly Favorite – Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and sweet banana flavor.
- Versatile and Customizable – Add whipped cream, coconut flakes, or even layer in coconut milk for a dairy-free twist!
Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding Ingredients
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the creamy pudding flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the pudding to perfect consistency.
- Whole Milk: Creates a rich, smooth, and creamy base.
- Beaten Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the pudding.
- Butter: Gives the pudding a silky, buttery finish.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tangy depth.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, sweet flavor to the pudding.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy topping for creamy contrast.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (whipped): Adds homemade richness and fluffy texture on top.
- Sugar (for whipped cream): Sweetens the cream just enough without overpowering.
- Vanilla Wafers: Softens slightly into delicious cookie layers.
- Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and fresh fruit flavor.
How To Make Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding
Step One: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, flour, and milk. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble—about 5–7 minutes.
Step Two: Slowly whisk in the beaten egg yolks and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well until the pudding is creamy and fragrant. Let it cool slightly.
Step Three: In a serving dish or individual cups, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and warm pudding. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Once assembled, chill the pudding for at least 2 hours. Top with fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Cool Whip just before serving.
Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding Recipe Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas – For the best flavor, choose ripe bananas that are sweet and slightly soft but not overripe. They’ll add a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the pudding.
- Chill for Best Results – Allow the pudding to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors meld and the texture set properly. Chilled pudding will be thicker and more flavorful.
- Don’t Overmix the Pudding – When combining the egg yolks into the milk mixture, stir gently to avoid curdling the eggs. Overmixing could lead to a grainy texture in your pudding.
- Layer Carefully – For a beautiful presentation, layer the vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding neatly. Start with a layer of wafers, then bananas, followed by the pudding mixture. Repeat for a perfect visual and taste balance.
- Whipped Cream Topping – For an extra fluffy topping, whip your own heavy cream and sugar. Homemade whipped cream will add richness and enhance the overall flavor compared to store-bought.
- Add Extra Flavor – Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture for a slightly different flavor twist. It complements the bananas beautifully.
- Use Fresh Vanilla Wafers – Ensure your vanilla wafers are fresh and crisp to avoid them becoming too soggy while layering. If they soften too much, they’ll lose their texture in the pudding.
Storing
To store Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept for up to 3 days, though the bananas may soften a bit over time.
Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of cookie instead of vanilla wafers? Yes, you can substitute vanilla wafers with other cookies like shortbread or even graham crackers, but the classic texture and flavor of vanilla wafers are key to the recipe.
Can I make the pudding ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, making the pudding ahead of time allows the flavors to develop and the dessert to chill properly. It can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk for this recipe? While whole milk gives the best creamy texture, you can use low-fat milk or non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk) for a lighter or dairy-free version, though the consistency may change slightly.
How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown? To keep the bananas from browning, slice them just before assembling the pudding or toss them in a little lemon juice to help preserve their color.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream? Yes, store-bought whipped cream can be used as a topping, but homemade whipped cream will provide a richer flavor and fluffier texture.
Can I freeze Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding? While you can freeze the pudding, it’s best served fresh as freezing may cause the bananas to become mushy and the texture of the pudding to change.
7. How can I make the pudding thicker? If you prefer a thicker pudding, you can add a bit more flour to the mixture, but be sure to cook it long enough to avoid any raw flour taste. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch for a smoother texture.
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Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks, beaten
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
- 1 teaspoon sugar, for whipped cream
- 48 vanilla wafers
- 2 large bananas, sliced
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 5–7 minutes).
- Slowly whisk in the beaten egg yolks and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Stir in butter and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and warm pudding. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Cover and refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours to set. Before serving, top with whipped cream.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
Nutrition
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