Salty Peanut Banana Pudding

Salty Peanut Banana Pudding is a decadent and nostalgic dessert with a salty-sweet twist. Creamy banana pudding is layered with crunchy salted peanuts, banana slices, and buttery cookies, creating a rich and satisfying treat. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a comforting dessert, this recipe takes classic banana pudding to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Salty-sweet perfection: The combination of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and salted peanuts is irresistible.
  • Easy to assemble: Simple layers make this dessert as easy to make as it is delicious.
  • Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
  • No-bake dessert: Perfect for warm days when you want a sweet treat without using the oven.
  • Crowd-pleaser: A nostalgic dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Instant banana pudding mix
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ripe bananas, sliced
  • Salted peanuts, chopped
  • Vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Directions

  1. Prepare the pudding:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
    • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
  2. Layer the pudding:
    • In a trifle dish or individual dessert cups, start with a layer of vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
    • Add a layer of banana slices, followed by a layer of pudding.
    • Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts over the pudding layer.
    • Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a pudding layer.
  3. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly.
  4. Serve and garnish: Before serving, top with whipped cream, additional banana slices, and a sprinkle of salted peanuts for garnish.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8–10
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

  • Nut-free option: Substitute the salted peanuts with crushed pretzels for a similar salty crunch.
  • Chocolate twist: Add a layer of chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup between the layers.
  • Peanut butter flair: Mix a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the pudding for a nutty flavor.
  • Healthier version: Use reduced-fat milk, sugar-free pudding mix, and lower-sodium peanuts.
  • Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk, dairy-free whipped topping, and cookies for a vegan-friendly dessert.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the pudding may separate and the bananas can become mushy when thawed.
  • Reheating: This dessert is served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pudding?

Yes, homemade banana pudding adds a rich, fresh flavor to this recipe.

2. What’s the best way to keep bananas from browning?

Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation before layering.

3. Can I use unsalted peanuts?

Yes, but the salty peanuts add a nice contrast to the sweet pudding.

4. How far in advance can I make this dessert?

You can assemble it up to a day in advance. Add garnishes just before serving.

5. Can I substitute the wafers with another cookie?

Absolutely! Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or biscoff cookies work well.

6. How do I keep the pudding layers neat?

Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to layer the pudding cleanly.

7. What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?

Use a large trifle dish or make individual servings in mason jars or cups for easy portioning.

8. Can I add caramel to this recipe?

Yes, drizzle caramel sauce between the layers for an extra indulgent touch.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from getting too soggy?

Layer the cookies just before serving if you prefer a crunchier texture.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily to accommodate larger groups.

Conclusion

Salty Peanut Banana Pudding is a delightful spin on a classic dessert, combining creamy banana pudding with the crunch of salted peanuts and the sweetness of ripe bananas. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or a comforting dessert at home. With its balance of salty and sweet flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite!

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Salty Peanut Banana Pudding

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Salty Peanut Banana Pudding takes a classic Southern dessert to the next level! Layers of creamy banana pudding, sliced bananas, crunchy salty peanuts, and buttery cookies come together to create a sweet-and-salty masterpiece. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a nostalgic dessert at home.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pudding:

  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Layers:

  • 4 large bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups salted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers or butter cookies

For Garnish:

  • Crushed peanuts
  • Banana slices
  • Whipped cream



Instructions

1. Make the Pudding:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, or until thickened.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding until smooth. Chill the mixture for 20-30 minutes.

2. Assemble the Layers:

  1. In a trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual serving cups, spread a layer of pudding on the bottom.
  2. Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of vanilla wafers.
  3. Sprinkle a layer of salted peanuts on top.
  4. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.

3. Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish the top with crushed peanuts, banana slices, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.



Notes

  • Make Ahead: This dessert tastes better after resting for a few hours, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
  • Substitutions: Use peanut butter cookies instead of vanilla wafers for extra peanut flavor.
  • Variations: Add a drizzle of caramel or melted peanut butter between layers for added richness.

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