Creamy Salty Peanut Banana Pudding Recipe: Sweet-Savory Joy!

Creamy banana pudding takes an unexpected turn with this salty peanut twist that challenges traditional dessert expectations.

Nutty undertones dance across each spoonful, creating a surprising flavor profile.

Smooth custard layers mingle with crunchy peanut bits, offering delightful textural contrasts.

Sweet bananas provide a mellow backdrop against the sharp saltiness.

Comfort meets innovation in this playful reimagining of a classic treat.

Crumbled peanuts scattered throughout promise a delightful crunch in every bite.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful of this delectable dessert that defies ordinary pudding conventions.

Banana Pudding That’s Sweet and Salty

• Kids and adults will love the playful combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, crunchy wafers, and salty peanuts that create an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Create individual servings or a stunning trifle dish that works beautifully for casual family dinners, potlucks, or elegant dinner parties with minimal effort.
• This dessert can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight, allowing flavors to blend and making party planning stress-free while ensuring maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients for This Unique Pudding

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides creamy, smooth base for the dessert.
• Cold Milk: Helps activate and thicken the pudding mix, creates smooth texture.

• Heavy Cream: Adds rich, light texture to the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle sweetness.

• Bananas: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture, choose ripe but firm bananas.
• Vanilla Wafers: Provides crunchy layer and classic dessert element, traditional or store-bought options work well.
• Salted Peanuts: Adds salty crunch and nutty flavor, can use roasted or raw peanuts.
• Crushed Peanuts: Additional garnish for extra texture and visual appeal.

How to Layer Peanut, Banana, and Cream

Step 1: Whip Creamy Pudding Base

• Instant pudding mix
• Cold milk

Grab a medium bowl and whisk pudding mix with milk vigorously for two minutes until mixture transforms into a smooth, thick consistency.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Whipped Cream

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Using an electric mixer, beat ingredients until stiff, cloud-like peaks emerge.

Step 3: Blend Pudding Mixture

Gently fold whipped cream into pudding, creating a luxurious, silky texture. Chill mixture in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Build First Pudding Layer

Spread a generous pudding base across bottom of serving dish or individual cups.

Step 5: Add Banana Slices

Arrange fresh banana slices evenly over pudding layer.

Step 6: Sprinkle Crunchy Wafer Pieces

Distribute vanilla wafer fragments across banana layer.

Step 7: Scatter Salty Peanuts

Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts for delightful crunch.

Step 8: Repeat Layering

Continue alternating pudding, bananas, wafers, and peanuts until dish is nearly full.

Step 9: Final Decorative Touch

Top final layer with additional crushed peanuts, banana slices, and optional whipped cream dollop.

Step 10: Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate dessert for minimum two hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and texture to set perfectly.

Tips to Balance Crunch and Creaminess

• Elevate Pudding Texture: Use fresh, ripe bananas for the most creamy and smooth layering experience.
• Prevent Banana Browning: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent quick oxidation.
• Customize Crunch Factor: Toast the peanuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create extra crispiness.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert the night before serving to allow flavors to blend and develop a more intense taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond cookies for those with dietary restrictions.

Store Your Pudding to Keep It Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent discoloration of bananas.
• Avoid freezing this dessert, as the texture of bananas and wafers will become mushy and lose their delightful crunch when thawed.
• Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Do not attempt to warm the pudding, as it will compromise the creamy texture and structural integrity of the layers.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and freshness. The wafers will gradually soften, so it's most delicious when eaten soon after preparation.

Pair with These Sweet and Salty Treats

• Brew a strong, dark roast coffee to cut through the pudding's sweetness and complement the salty peanut notes.
• Pour a light caramel liqueur alongside the dessert to enhance the banana and nutty flavors with a warm, rich undertone.
• Select a crisp Riesling or Moscato that provides a refreshing acidity to cleanse the palate between creamy pudding bites.
• Serve a spiced chai tea that adds warmth and complexity, echoing the dessert's comforting vanilla and banana profile.

Peanut Banana Pudding Variations to Explore

Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and heavy cream with coconut milk and coconut whipped cream for a creamy, lactose-free version.

Vegan Adventure: Swap instant pudding mix with chia seed pudding, use plant-based milk, and substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers or vegan cookies.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or almond flour cookies instead of traditional wafers to make the dessert celiac-friendly.

Low-Sugar Alternative: Utilize sugar-free pudding mix, stevia-sweetened whipped cream, and reduce peanut quantities for a diabetic-friendly dessert.

Pudding Questions, Answered

• Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute instant pudding mix with homemade vanilla pudding. Just ensure it’s cooled and thick before mixing with whipped cream.

• How do I prevent bananas from browning quickly?

Toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering. This helps slow down oxidation and keeps them looking fresh longer.

• Are salted or unsalted peanuts better for this recipe?

Salted peanuts work best for this dessert, as they provide a nice contrast to the sweet pudding and bananas. They add a savory crunch that elevates the overall flavor.

• Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Replace regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make the entire dessert safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Salty Peanut Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this salty peanut banana pudding, where rich layers of silky custard and ripe bananas dance with crunchy peanut accents. Nostalgic flavors blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic Southern dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large bananas, sliced
• 2 cups salted peanuts, roughly chopped
• 1 box (11 ounces/311 grams) vanilla wafers or butter cookies

Dairy and Pudding Components:

• 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Crushed peanuts
• Banana slices
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Combine instant pudding mix and cold milk in a medium bowl, whisking vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, creating a fluffy mixture with stiff, billowy peaks.
3. Gently incorporate the whipped cream into the pudding base, folding carefully to maintain the airy texture.
4. Chill the pudding mixture in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to enhance the consistency and flavor.
5. Select a trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual serving cups for assembling the dessert.
6. Create the first layer by spreading a generous portion of the chilled pudding across the bottom of the container.
7. Arrange a uniform layer of thinly sliced ripe bananas directly over the pudding base.
8. Carefully place vanilla wafers in a single layer, ensuring even coverage across the banana slices.
9. Sprinkle a consistent layer of salted peanuts over the wafer layer, adding a crunchy texture.
10. Repeat the layering process: pudding, bananas, wafers, and salted peanuts, creating multiple delicious strata.
11. Finish with a final layer of pudding, creating a smooth and inviting top surface.
12. Optionally, garnish with crushed peanuts, additional banana slices, and a delicate dollop of whipped cream.
13. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, or overnight for maximum taste development.

Notes

• Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice before layering to maintain their fresh, vibrant color.
• Swap instant pudding mix for homemade custard to create a more sophisticated, less processed dessert with richer flavor depth.
• Toast peanuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty taste and add a delightful crunch to the pudding layers.
• Make this dessert gluten-free by using almond flour cookies or gluten-free vanilla wafers instead of traditional vanilla wafers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg