Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk Banana Pudding
When it comes to classic Southern desserts, one dish that should immediately come to mind is banana pudding. Made with vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
The History of Banana Pudding
Banana pudding has been a beloved dessert in the southern United States for over a century. While the exact origin of the dish is uncertain, food historians believe that it was likely created in the late 19th century, during the rise of the modern food industry. As the South became more industrialized, food manufacturers began producing sweetened condensed milk, which made it easier for home cooks to create sweet treats without having to source fresh milk daily. Banana pudding quickly caught on because it was simple to make, used common ingredients, and was a hit with children and adults alike.
The Perfect Banana Pudding Recipe
While there are many different variations of banana pudding, the classic recipe typically involves layering vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and vanilla pudding made with Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk. Here's how to create the perfect banana pudding:
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 (4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4 bananas, sliced
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water.
- Whisk in the vanilla pudding mix until smooth.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until no white streaks remain.
- To assemble the banana pudding, start by placing a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of a large glass bowl or trifle dish.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the vanilla wafers.
- Spread a layer of pudding on top of the bananas.
- Repeat the layers until all of the ingredients have been used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
- Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Variations on Banana Pudding
While the classic recipe for banana pudding is delicious on its own, there are also many fun variations that you can try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Chocolate Banana Pudding:
Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate syrup in between the layers of vanilla pudding and bananas for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.
Strawberry Banana Pudding:
Add sliced fresh strawberries to the layers of vanilla wafers and bananas for a fruity variation.
Caramel Banana Pudding:
Drizzle caramel sauce over each layer of vanilla wafers and bananas for a rich and indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Banana pudding is a beloved dessert in the South, and for good reason. With its layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding made with Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, it's a classic recipe that has stood the test of time. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the many variations, you're sure to impress your friends and family with this delicious dessert. So why not whip up a batch today and see what all the fuss is about?