This Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding Recipe brings all the flavors of the iconic brand to your kitchen. Made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it's a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in, this dessert is as versatile as it is delicious. The combination of cool pudding and sweet bananas makes it a great treat for warm-weather days, fall and winter holidays, or anytime you're craving something classic and comforting.
Whether you're making it to impress guests or just indulging in a little self-care, this banana pudding is sure to hit the spot!
Since you are here and love Cracker Barrel copycat recipes, check out this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe, this Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe, or this Cracker Barrel Carrot Recipe.
Ingredients for this copycat Cracker Barrel banana pudding recipe
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this creamy homemade vanilla pudding. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.
Pudding Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar: sweetens the pudding.
- All-purpose Flour: helps thicken the pudding, giving it a smooth, silky texture.
- Salt: enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness in the pudding.
- Whole Milk: provides a creamy base that gives the pudding its velvety consistency.
- Egg Yolks: add richness and help thicken the pudding to the perfect custard-like texture. You'll want them to be slightly beaten.
- Unsalted Butter: enhances the texture and overall richness of the pudding.
- Cream Cheese: gives the pudding a subtle tang and extra creaminess, setting it apart from traditional versions.
- Vanilla Extract: adds a touch of subtle flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
Mix-ins
- Bananas:​ Adding in chunks of real banana slices combines perfectly with the flavor of the vanilla pudding and adds a crazy good texture.
- Nilla Wafer Cookies:​ A common banana pudding ingredient that diversifies the texture by bringing a crunch into the mix. You will need about 32 for this recipe.
​Homemade Whipped Cream
- Heavy Cream:​ is the base of whipped cream.
- Granulated Sugar:​ sweetens the cream to make the perfect topping.
- Vanilla Extract:​ adds a soft and sweet flavor to the cream.
How to make this easy Cracker Barrel banana pudding recipe
This is how you can make this Cracker Barrel classic dessert. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Heat milk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture to the egg yolks, being careful not to cook the eggs.
- Gradually return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the pudding thickens, about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until the pudding is completely smooth.
- Pour pudding into a large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it chill thoroughly before assembling your dessert cups.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form, but be careful not to over-mix, as this can turn it into butter.
- Grab your 16oz mason jars or separate container and start by layering broken Nilla wafers at the bottom, followed by slices of banana. Add a few tablespoons of vanilla pudding on top. Repeat the process, creating two layers each of cookies, banana slices, and pudding.
- Seal the jars with their lids and refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, top each dessert with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Add a Nilla wafer and some banana slices for garnish. For an extra touch, sprinkle broken Nilla wafers on the whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Why you need to make this recipe!
- This homemade dessert recipe pairs great with hearty dinner entrees.
- It's the perfect way to enjoy a part of Cracker Barrel in the comfort of your own home.
- Nothing beats the flavor and comfort of country homestyle cooking; this recipe delivers just that!
- It's perfect for weekend get-togethers with the family or for celebratory nights of the week.
- It's so versatile and can be enjoyed as is or if you want to take it up a notch add a layer of this strawberry preserves in there!
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of homemade?
Absolutely! You can customize or short-cut any part of this recipe. I just wanted to give the fully-homemade, base-line recipe for those that are feeling adventurous.
Can I substitute the vanilla wafers with something else?
Definitely! This is pretty much a cookie layer that can be replaced with any other cookie layer that you might prefer.
I love using graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a more traditional vibe or Oreos or Nutter Butters for a more fun twist on this delicious dessert.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This banana pudding actually tastes better when made ahead, as the flavors have time to meld. Prepare it the night before and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.
How do I store leftover Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding?
Store your leftover banana pudding in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. It can last for about 3-4 days, though the bananas may start to brown after the first day or two due to normal oxidation.
To slow down the browning process, you can LIGHTLY brush the banana slices with lemon juice before layering them into the dessert. Just be careful not to use too much, or it will affect the flavor.
Can I freeze banana pudding?
Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the pudding and the bananas may become mushy when thawed.
What other toppings can I add?
Aside from whipped cream and caramel sauce, you can add toppings like crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or even chocolate shavings for a fun twist!
Does the creacker barrell use version use instant pudding or homemade custard?
The restaurant version most likely than not uses an instant vanilla pudding mix for convenience but here we are going one step further and making it from scratch to really elevate those flavors.
The Best Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding Recipe
Cracker Barrel Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 2-3 large bananas peeled and sliced, ripe but not overly mushy
- 32 Nilla Wafer Cookies
Whipped cream
- 1 cup heavy cream very cold
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Caramel for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
Make the vanilla pudding.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 cups whole milk
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Lightly beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl.3 large egg yolks
- Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, we need to do this to avoid cooking the egg yolks. Gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Continue cooking the pudding over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens further, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pour the pudding in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap, making sure that it touches the pudding. Chill completely before building your dessert cups.
Make the whipped cream
- Add the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to a bowl and whip until stiff peaks form. Make sure not to over-mix; otherwise, you will end up with butter.1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Build the banana pudding cups
- Line up your 16oz mason jars and start by adding broken up pieces of Nilla wafers then slices of banana in them at the bottom, top with a few tablespoons of vanilla pudding, then repeat the process one more time in order to have two separate layers or banana and cookie pieces and two separate layers of pudding.2-3 large bananas, 32 Nilla Wafer Cookies
- Close the lid and chill your dessert in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together better.
- When ready to enjoy top each dessert with a generous dollop of whipped cream. A nilla wafer on the side, and some slices of banana. I love to add broken up pieces of nilla wafers on the whipped cream too.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve!
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