How long does banana pudding last

Which dessert do you prefer when you have a sweet craving? I don’t know yours, but a bite of delicious banana pudding is enough to satisfy my craving. It’s a classic American dessert. Its creamy texture, luscious banana slices, and layers of vanilla wafers make it a delightful treat for any occasion. 

However, like any perishable food item, banana pudding has a limited shelf life. In this blog post, we will explore the factors to know how long does banana pudding last? I’ll also provide you with some handy tips on how to store it effectively.

Where did the idea of banana pudding come from? 

The banana pudding that we know and love was invented in 1921. A home chef called Laura Kerley gave her recipe to Pantagraph in Bloomington, Illinois. Her recipe included vanilla custard, bananas, and Nabisco Nilla Wafers for the first time. It became a national sensation when Nabisco added the recipe to its box. 

Can I freeze banana pudding? 

Of course, you can store banana pudding in the freezer. The core ingredients of banana pudding are bananas, sugar, vanilla essence, cream & condensed milk. So, you should not keep it at room temperature for more than 3 hours. You can keep the ingredients individually in a sealed container. You can store it for a week in this way. If you mix all the ingredients, you can store them in an ice cream maker or an airtight box and keep them in the freezer. 

How long does banana pudding last? 

The shelf life of banana pudding can vary depending on its ingredients and how it is stored. Generally, homemade banana pudding, which typically contains perishable ingredients like milk, eggs, and whipped cream, should be consumed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator.

If you have store-bought banana pudding, the expiration date on the packaging should guide its shelf life. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consume it before the indicated date to ensure its freshness and safety.

Remember to store banana pudding properly in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or unusual texture, it’s best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

How long does banana pudding last without bananas? 

Well, It depends on the ingredients used in the pudding. As the banana turns black easily, it can spoil the taste of pudding if it is not stored properly. So,  you can hold the taste of the banana pudding for 3 / 4 days more if you keep it in the freezer. 

How do you know your banana pudding has gone bad

If you store banana pudding in the correct way, it may go bad. Often it may go rotten if you keep it for long periods. So, how do you know if your pudding goes bad or not?

Okay, here are some signs indicating that your banana pudding has gone bad already.

Visual changes

Check for any signs of mold, discoloration, or an unusual texture. If you notice green, black, or fuzzy spots on the surface of the pudding or any separation of liquids or curdling, it’s likely spoiled.

Smell

Take a whiff of the pudding. If it emits a sour, rancid, or off-putting odor, it’s a clear indication that it has gone bad. The fresh banana pudding should have a pleasant, sweet aroma.

Taste

If the banana pudding tastes significantly different from what you would expect, has a spoiled or bitter taste, or feels gritty or slimy in your mouth, it is best to discard it.

Tips for storing banana pudding 

You may not like to throw away the banana pudding you made with all the effort. I hope these quick tips will help to keep it fresh for a few days. 

Keep it in an airtight container

 If you have prepared the banana pudding and have leftovers, transfer it to an airtight container. Use a container that is large enough to accommodate the entire pudding without squashing it.

Cover the pudding

Ensure that the banana pudding is completely covered to prevent it from drying out or forming an in. You can place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding or use the lid of the container to seal it tightly.

Refrigerate promptly

 Place the covered container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The cooler temperature will help preserve the freshness of the pudding and prevent bacterial growth.

Avoid stacking or crushing

Store the banana pudding in a position where it won’t get crushed or flattened by other items in the fridge. Keep it on a flat shelf rather than on the door, where it may experience temperature fluctuations.

Consume within a few days

Banana pudding is best when consumed within a few days to maintain its texture and flavor. Generally, it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 days of preparation. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or mold growth, before eating.

Hack to avoid bananas from turning brown

The crown of banana pudding is the banana itself. It will ruin the taste of your pudding if the banana turns black. So,  If it is not properly stored, it quickly loses its enticing fresh appearance. Dessert may be a nightmare if your bananas turn black or your pudding absorbs the other odors in your refrigerator. However, following a few basic procedures makes it simple to keep your pudding looking new.

• Take some lemon juice in a bowl. 

• Dip the bananas into the juice. It’ll prevent banana slices from turning brown. 
• Then place the slices into the dish. 

As lemon juice contains citric acid, it prevents bananas from turning black. It also helps to preserve the taste of bananas. 

Final Thought

I hope you got to know how long does banana pudding last and how to store it exactly. The lifespan of your banana pudding also depends on the ingredients you use in your dessert. If you intend to preserve it for a few days, you should try to avoid the elements which can spoil the taste of your pudding earlier, like you can use bananas and wafers before serving the dish. 

Most importantly, avoid keeping it in the sunlight or excessive heat. Store it in a chill place to keep it fresh.