In true Sauced fashion, Banana Pudding gets an upgrade by adding white rum to the vanilla pudding mix. Fresh bananas, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy Nilla wafers complete this cool and creamy confection to perfection. It’s the perfect treat for summer birthday parties, barbeques, and pool parties. I am sharing this recipe in honor of my little sister, Ali’s, upcoming birthday. Banana pudding is one of her favorite desserts and her oft-requested birthday treat.
Day-O… Work All Night on a Drink of Rum
Good luck getting that song out of your head. On tonight’s Kitchen Playlist: “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” by the late, great Harry Belafonte. This song always reminds me of my mom, grandpa, and summers by the pool. It also reminds me of one of my favorite scenes in the movie: “Beetlejuice.” If you’re having a bad day, do yourself a favor and Google that clip. You won’t be sorry. Harry’s dance-inducing: “Jump in the Line,” is also featured in the cult classic 1988 film.
We recently lost Harry Belafonte this year, in 2023. He was 96-years-old. “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” is a classic Jamaican folk song. It is thought that the song originated during the height of the banana trade in Jamaica. The dockworkers often worked at night, when it was cooler, and sang this song while they worked. Harry Belafonte released his version of the tune in 1956. It eventually became one of his signature songs. It’s hard not to dance and sing along to, with a drink of rum, whenever it comes on.
Stack Banana Till the Morning Come
Who would have thought that such a simple dessert could cause such controversy? People from all over the country “do” banana pudding differently. If you ask my husband or his family in Tennessee, a “proper” southern banana pudding is baked and topped with meringue.
Because this is Sauced–where we like our recipes a little on the boozy side–I’m making what would be considered the classic “Midwestern version” of banana pudding, with the addition of one key ingredient: Rum. As always, you can omit this particular ingredient if you prefer. I promise, this recipe will be just as delicious without it.
Get Sauced
Because this recipe already contains booze, I see no need to include a wine-pairing with this particular dessert. However, if you wish to make adorable, individual banana puddings, you can layer the ingredients (as indicated in the instructions below) in Mason jars and garnish with a whole Nilla wafer and slice of banana. Or, turn this same recipe into boozy banana pudding shots by preparing according to the recipe below, and storing in small Jell-O shot containers with lids. Fill up the cooler and serve chilled on a hot summer day for the perfect poolside treat!
Get More Sauced
If you’re looking for more sweet recipes on Sauced, check out my posts for Fudgy Zucchini Brownies and April’s Fluffy White Icing in the links below. Or, visit: saucedblogger.com, choose the “Blog,” option and search by keyword or phrase.
Boozy Banana Pudding Recipe
Boozy Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding
- 1 (14 oz can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 c. cold milk
- 3/4 c. chilled white rum
- 1 (12 oz) container of whipped topping
- 4-6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 c. crushed Nilla wafers
- the remainder of one 16 oz. box of Nilla wafers, whole
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat or quickly whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, pudding mix, and cold milk until thickened. Add the rum and whisk for 1-2 minutes more. Refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes (following the package directions for the pudding).
- In a large trifle dish or glass bowl, layer the Nilla wafers, pudding mixture, and whipped topping, until you reach the top of the bowl. Ensure that you finish with a layer of whipped topping. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Before serving, top off with the crushed Nilla wafers for an added crunchy garnish.
- Pro Tip: For adorable, individual banana puddings, layer the ingredients (as indicated in the instructions above) in Mason jars and garnish with a whole Nilla wafer and slice of banana.
