Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Last month, after Sprout demolished his third bowl of my grandmother's banana pudding, he looked up with vanilla wafer crumbs on his chin and asked, "Mom, what if we could eat this but it was cold like ice cream?" That innocent question launched our greatest kitchen adventure yet. This creamy banana pudding ice cream combines everything magical about traditional banana pudding; ripe bananas, vanilla custard, and those iconic Nilla wafer chunks; into the most satisfying frozen treat that captures every nostalgic flavor while being surprisingly simple to make at home.

What is Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Banana pudding ice cream is a frozen dessert that transforms the beloved Southern classic into creamy, scoopable bliss. Traditional banana pudding layers vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and vanilla pudding, while this ice cream version blends those same flavors into a rich custard base with cookie chunks throughout. The result tastes exactly like the original dessert but frozen into the perfect summer treat that stays creamy and never gets icy when made properly.

Jump to:

• What is Banana Pudding Ice Cream
• How To Make Banana Pudding Ice Cream
• Step by Step Method
• What To Serve With Banana Pudding Ice Cream
• Creative Variations
• Equipment You'll Need
• Storage Tips
• Top Tips for Perfect Results
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Southern Comfort in Every Scoop
• Related
• Pairing
• Banana Pudding Ice Cream

How To Make Banana Pudding Ice Cream

What Makes Our Version Special

Our homemade banana pudding ice cream uses real ripe bananas and a proper custard base instead of artificial flavors. The secret is macerating overripe bananas with lemon juice to intensify flavor while preventing browning, then folding in buttered Nilla wafer chunks during the final churning moments. This technique creates the perfect balance of smooth custard and satisfying cookie texture that makes each bite taste like authentic banana pudding.

Banana Pudding Ice Cream Ingredients

Banana Base:

• 4 very ripe bananas with brown spots
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

Custard Foundation:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cookie Addition:

• 1 cup crushed Nilla wafers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step by Step Method

Prepare Banana Mixture

• Mash bananas until mostly smooth with small chunks
• Mix with lemon juice and ⅓ cup sugar
• Let sit 15 minutes to develop flavors
• This prevents ice crystals and intensifies banana taste

Make Custard Base

• Heat cream and milk until steaming
• Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale
• Slowly add hot cream to yolks while whisking constantly
• Cook until mixture coats spoon, about 170°F

Combine and Chill

• Fold banana mixture into warm custard
• Strain through fine mesh for smoothness
• Cover with plastic wrap touching surface
• Refrigerate at least 4 hours until completely cold

Churn and Freeze

• Pour into ice cream maker and churn 20-25 minutes
• Add cookie-butter mixture during final 5 minutes
• Transfer to container with parchment paper on surface
• Freeze 4 hours until scoopable

What To Serve With Banana Pudding Ice Cream

This Southern banana pudding dessert pairs beautifully with warm blackberry cobbler, chocolate chip cookies, or fresh summer berries. Serve in mason jars layered with extra cookie crumbles for parties, or create ice cream sandwiches using homemade sugar cookies. The creamy banana flavors complement barbecue perfectly, making it ideal for backyard gatherings and potluck desserts.

Creative Variations

No-Churn Version:

• Whip 2 cups heavy cream to soft peaks
• Fold in sweetened condensed milk and banana mixture
• Add crushed cookies and freeze in loaf pan
• Perfect for those without ice cream makers

Dairy-Free Delight:

• Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk
• Use coconut condensed milk instead of regular
• Results in surprisingly creamy vegan version
• All the flavor without dairy

Adult Indulgence:

• Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to custard base
• Swirl in caramel sauce before final freeze
• Sophisticated twist on childhood favorite
• Perfect for grown-up gatherings

Healthier Option:

• Substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream
• Reduce sugar and rely on ripe banana sweetness
• Add protein boost without sacrificing taste
• Guilt-free comfort food satisfaction

Equipment You'll Need

• Ice cream maker or large mixing bowls
• Heavy saucepan for custard
• Fine mesh strainer
• Instant-read thermometer
• Freezer-safe container

Storage Tips

Best Practices

Store in shallow, wide container for easier scooping. Press parchment paper directly on surface before covering to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Serving Temperature

Let sit at room temperature 5-10 minutes before scooping if frozen solid. This creamy banana pudding ice cream should never be rock-hard when stored properly.

Freezer Life

Best quality within 2 weeks, though it rarely lasts that long! After that, ice crystals can develop and affect the smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Southern Comfort in Every Scoop

Now you have the secrets to creating the most incredible banana pudding ice cream that rivals any store-bought version. This recipe proves that the best frozen treats come from real ingredients and family traditions.

Ready for more frozen adventures? Try our classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe for the perfect base that pairs with any topping, or explore our refreshing Strawberry Sorbet and Mango Sorbet for fruit forward summer treats. For layered dessert lovers, our Peach Trifle uses similar Southern comfort flavors that complement this ice cream beautifully.

Share your beautiful creations! Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #BananaPuddingIceCream; we're dying to see your frozen masterpieces and hear Sprout's competition reviews!

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with banana pudding ice cream: