Microwave Banana Pudding (From Scratch, No Scorching!)

Sneak Peek: Make creamy, old-fashioned banana pudding from scratch—without babysitting a pot on the stove. This microwave method is quicker than stovetop, smoother than boxed mix, and just as nostalgic.

bowl of microwave banana pudding with a serving removed--shows layersPin

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Have you ever thought your microwave could be more than just a Have you ever wished you could skip the scorching pans, double boilers, and endless stirring that come with making banana pudding from scratch? This microwave version changed everything for me back in the ’80s when I was teaching microwave cooking classes—and I’ve never gone back.

Just toss the custard ingredients into a blender—no tempering, no lumps, no stress. That silky-smooth mixture goes straight into the microwave, and you’re done in minutes. Cleanup? A blender and a batter bowl. That’s it.

Even my slow, old microwave finishes the pudding in under 7 minutes. Yours might be faster. Once you try this, you may never reach for boxed pudding again.

Happy Cooks Speak Up

“I love banana pudding, but I hate standing over a hot stove stirring constantly. Thank you for this easier way to make it from scratch. I don’t care for the new, what I call pre-fab banana pudding.”😀KATHERINE J.


Ingredients and substitutions:

ingredients for banana pudding include milk, sugar, egg yolks, salt,  flour, vanilla extract, butter, banans, vanilla wafers, heavy cream, and powdered sugar.Pin
  • SUGAR: Use white granulated sugar. Alternative sweeteners haven’t been tested.
  • EGG YOLKS: Large eggs only. Save the whites for this angel food cake.
  • FLOUR: Use all-purpose flour, bleached or unbleached.
  • MILK: Any dairy milk works. Whole milk makes it richer.
  • SALT: A small amount enhances the flavor. Sea salt, kosher, or table salt all work.
  • VANILLA EXTRACT: A must! Vanilla bean paste adds a gourmet twist.
  • BUTTER: Adds richness and smooths the texture. Use margarine if preferred.
  • BANANAS: Use bananas that are just ripe—not green, not brown.
  • VANILLA WAFERS: “Nilla” brand is a classic. Sub with graham crackers or shortbread.
  • WHIPPING CREAM: Use heavy cream for best results. Cool Whip or canned cream is a shortcut but won’t be as rich.

How To Make Banana Pudding in a Microwave

  1. Blend ingredients: Combine sugar, egg yolks, flour, milk, and salt in a blender.
  2. Microwave the pudding: Cook in intervals, whisking every 1-2 minutes.
  3. Check for thickness: It should coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Add flavor: Stir in butter and vanilla.
  5. Layer pudding, bananas, and wafers in a serving dish.
  6. Chill for at least 2 hours.
  7. Top with whipped cream just before serving.


microwave banana puddingPin
Yield: 8 servings

Microwave Banana Pudding

A no-fuss, homemade banana pudding cooked right in the microwave. You’ll love the smooth texture and classic flavor layered with fresh bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers—all without standing over a hot stove.
5 from 6 votes
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Video

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours 7 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 17 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • cup (132 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 (54 g) egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons (23 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (454 g) milk (skim, 1%, 2% or whole)
  • ¼ teaspoon table or sea salt
  • teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 medium or 3 large bananas
  • 1 11-oz box (312 g) vanilla wafers

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup (240 g) heavy whipping cream 240 gr
  • ¼ cup (25 g) powdered sugar 57 gr
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Pudding

  • Blend Ingredients: Add ⅔ cup (132 g) granulated sugar, 3 (54 g) egg yolks, 3 tablespoons (23 g) unbleached all-purpose flour, 2 cups (454 g) milk, and ¼ teaspoon table or sea salt to a blender or food processor bowl. Pulse 5 times until mixed well.
  • Cook in microwave: Pour mixture into a 2-quart batter bowl. Microwave on HIGH 4-5 minutes. Whisk. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals, whisking each time, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Finish pudding: Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract to the pudding. Whisk until smooth.

Assembly

  • Layer: In a 1.5-quart dish, spread a small amount of pudding. Add a layer of 1 11-oz box (312 g) vanilla wafers, then 4 medium or 3 large bananas, sliced, then more pudding. Repeat layers and finish with pudding on top.
  • Cover and chill: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Whipped Cream

  • Whip cream: In a cold bowl, beat 1 cup (240 g) heavy whipping cream. When thickened, add ¼ cup (25 g) powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • Top pudding: Spread whipped cream over chilled pudding. Garnish with wafer crumbs, strawberries, or maraschino cherries if desired.

Notes

1. If you decide to make your own shortbread, let it cool, then crumble and layer in the same way as vanilla wafers.
2. I don’t use a sieve for this pudding. Mixing in a blender before microwaving prevents lumps. However, if the pudding does turn out lumpy, push it through a coarse sieve before it cools.
3. I also use this recipe to make banana cream pie, coconut cream pie, and chocolate cream pie.
4. Many people put meringue on top of their banana pudding, but I’m a whipped cream girl. Suit yourself.
For a smaller batch (for 2-3 people), be sure to check out my 2-Minute Microwave Chocolate pudding. The vanilla variation is perfect for only a couple of servings of banana pudding.
Variations:  Store-bought vanilla wafers are my go-to cookie for this dessert. But sometimes, I like to make my shortbread crumbles for a dessert that tastes like banana cream pie in a bowl. Oh, my! It’s wicked good!!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 330mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 720IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

5-Star Ratings Are My Favorite!Help others find this recipe in search results on the web.

FAQs

Can I make this the night before?
Yes, but it’s best served within 24 hours. The bananas soften and brown over time.

What if I don’t have a blender?
Whisk everything by hand until smooth, then cook and whisk frequently. Strain if needed.

Can I make this on the stove?
Technically yes, but the microwave is faster and has less risk of scorching.


individual servings of banana pudding with homemade shortbread crumbles.Pin
Instead of vanilla wafers, I made these individual portions of Microwave Banana Pudding with the shortbread crust found in this recipe. Store-bought shortbread would also work.

Final Thoughts

This pudding is proof that the microwave isn’t just for leftovers. Once you try this silky-smooth method, you’ll never go back to boxed mix—or stovetop stirring. Want to go the extra mile? Swap in homemade shortbread crumbles or layer into individual parfait cups as seen above.

If you are as excited as I am about using your microwave to make pastry cream, I have more ideas for you. Try my extremely popular Mini Fruit Tarts filled with vanilla pastry cream made in a microwave. Other possibilities include this unique Zebra Cream Pie and my Speedy Chocolate Cream Pie. Both include pie filling or pastry cream with microwave instructions.

Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!

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5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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37 Comments

  1. Peggy Sult says:

    I’ve been using this method for the custard for some time now. Also use it for chocolate cream pie. Works great. I substitute shortbread cookies (like Chessmen) for the vanilla wafers and it’s very near the old fashioned teacakes my grandmother used for banana pudding. I also slice the bananas into a Fruit Fresh and water solution to prevent blackening with no change in taste. Pat them dry and use as usual. I enjoy your postings and depend on your recipes. Keep up the good work!

    1. Hi Peggy,
      Shortbread cookies would definitely take this up a notch. And your tip about the Fruit Fresh is genius. I’m going to try it the next time I make this.Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to share your tips.

  2. Deborah Marrs says:

    I have a recipe similar to this but I add 2 1/2tsp. of Cornstarch to dry pudding mixture to microwave. I also save my whites from my egg yokes and make my own meringue to put on top and brown meringue in oven. Nothing is wasted and it’s delicious.

    1. Hi Deborah,
      Sometimes, I use cornstarch, too. Good either way. And good for you–using the egg whites. I save mine for angel food cake, but the meringue sounds sounds delicious and less calories than whipped cream.

  3. Katherine Jacobs says:

    5 stars
    I love banana pudding, but I hate standing over a hot stove stirring constantly. Thank you for this easier way to make it from scratch. I don’t care for the new, what I call pre-fab banana pudding. 😀

    1. I agree with you, Katherine. The microwave is awesome for making pudding.

  4. Rivkah Lynn says:

    5 stars
    This worked perfectly! I increased measurements by 20% and substituted suregel for the flour so I could make it gluten free. No lumps and the flavor was outstanding! Thank you!

    1. Gluten-free? Impressive. So happy it turned out good for you.

  5. Made your pudding. It was so good!! Love the simpleness of the recipe as well. Thanks for a great recipe. No one would ever believe it was cooked in the microwave!!

    1. I couldn’t agree more. 🙂

  6. For a nice twist on traditional banana pudding, use ginger snaps instead of vanilla wafers.

    1. Alice, What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

  7. lovely recipe paula!! It was made perfect.
    have u got anymore easy recipes like this

  8. Where and what is the shortbread recipe called on your blog!

    1. Steve,
      That is a very good question. I usually make just the shortbread base for these toffee bars, then I break it into pieces.

  9. You are my hero…but if you think I’m capable of waiting 24 hours to eat this…. The pudding is in a sink full of ice water and I am standing over it with my spoon in hand.

    1. Thanks MadTyMom, I don’t blame you one bit for your impatience. The next challenge will be trying not to eat it all in one or two sittings. 🙂

  10. Tasti Wave says:

    You provide very appetizing pictures. Thanks for sharing such detailed directions for the banana pudding.

  11. Hi,
    I was searching for a recipe for banana pudding and found yours on foodgawker. I read your entire post and cried. My father too is battling congestive heart failure and I am so glad I live just minutes away. It is so sad when they start telliing your they are finished with things. I wish you and your father the best and know you will enjoy all the days you have with him. Elalne

  12. I just found your blog today and love your food photography. Beautiful and I love your focus on making unhealthy food healthy. I hope your time with your father is a good one. Treasure him as much as you can.

  13. I’m sorry your Dad is not doing well. That is so hard. I love the photos here and think the idea of a quick no cook pudding is brilliant!

  14. Catching up on my reading. Had not heard the computer transfer story. It is very sad and tough to deal with. I hope you can find comfort in knowing this is what he wants, but it is difficult to resign ourselves to that. I hope they make the 70th too! How awesome would that be!!
    Recipe looks great. I have no excuse for not cooking more since you make it look so easy with the microwave. Now, just need the time! You are always in my prayers!!

  15. 70? Now that IS an accomplishment. I’m right there with you in tears (all the way home). It is so thoughtful that he had the foresight to rid himself of the car (so many people have to yank it away from their parents)! 🙂 And so thoughtful to share another microwave recipe (LOVE your pastry cream – it has saved me)! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Paula!

  16. Well, this is the first time your beautiful blog has made me cry:+)

    The food looks incredible, as always!!

    1. Aw-w-w-w. It’s sad, I know. And thanks for the compliment.

  17. Blessings to you and your family at this time.

    Mmm, banana! pudding.

  18. Sometimes comfort food is one of the few comforts around, isn’t it?
    If you are needing another easy dessert, I suggest pudding and strawberry parfaits. Just cook up some Danish Dessert – close to the pudding section if you’re new to this gelatin dessert. Fold in sliced strawberries and layer it with instant cheesecake pudding. Top with whipped topping and a strawberry. It is so cool and yummy.
    Hope things improve for your father soon.

  19. It is hard to see parents not as functional as they once were. This is an important time for you to grab the moments and the memories. I am sorry about your Dad and I pray he has an easy time.

    Your dessert is wonderful.

  20. Thanks to all of you for your kind sentiments. I agree that my dad is being very thoughtful to make sure all is in order when his time is up–especially since my mom is still living and even older than he is. She’s hopeful they can celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this coming December.

  21. So hard to see our parents slowing down– your wonderful dad is giving you time to get used to the unthinkable….

    Thanks so much for the recipe! Pudding is comfort food indeed, but I never seem to make it anymore–usually such an arduous process. I look forward to trying it this way!

  22. I’m SO sorry to hear about your father. It made my heart pout with sadness to read what you’re going through. I’ll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

    Side note: love your blog!

  23. No matter our age,no matter that we know this day will come, it is painful to lose a parent. How wonderful that your Dad is helping you prepare for his death. Wish I was there to help you too.

  24. TheKitchenWitch says:

    Absolutely gorgeous photos! Well done!

  25. Was looking for a easy dessert, and this looks great!

    Sorry about your dad not feeling well – from the way you write he must be a special guy, and I can’t imagine how tough this is for you. Big hugs.

  26. Paula, I’m so sorry about your father. I hope things turn around.
    But, I love the look of this pudding! It sounds delicious and I love the photos 🙂

  27. Thanks so much Christina. Hope you are doing better yourself.

    I’ve gotten several positive comments on my new pictures. Thanks again!

  28. Christina Lee says:

    So sorry to hear about your dad not doing well. 🙁
    Y’all are in my prayers.
    On the upside, this recipe looks great.