Wondering how long does Banana Pudding last? Here is an article that will help you out.
Banana pudding is super tasty, but it’s also pretty filling. So, you might think there’s less left, but you could end up with yummy leftovers!
Lots of folks enjoy cold, leftover banana pudding on the following day. However, not everyone has adequate knowledge about the proper storage technique or how long Banana Pudding lasts.
How long does banana pudding last? Please keep reading for tips on storing it and making the most of those tasty leftovers!
What Is Banana Pudding?
If you’ve never tried banana pudding, you’ve been skipping out on a real treat! This classic American dessert is a delightful concoction of sliced bananas, creamy vanilla custard (or pudding), and layers of vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies.
You’d usually have banana pudding cold, either on its own or in a dessert like banana pudding pie.
How Long Does Banana Pudding Last?
Don’t leave banana pudding out for over 2 hours at room temperature.
Whenever you’re getting folks together, banana pudding is an ideal dessert that fits any occasion.
You can whip it up in just 10 minutes. Its main ingredient is bananas, and we all know the shelf life of bananas – they usually go brown in 4-5 days and smell bad when sliced.
So, your banana pudding stays good for around three days in the fridge. After that, bacteria forms on top, making it mushy and icky with moldy black spots.
If you let it sit too long, you’ll notice the food turning slimy, and the bananas might start floating on top.
For the best taste, try to enjoy it within 2-3 days. If you want it to stay longer, keep it in the freezer – it should be good for about two weeks.
But before you do that, there are a few things to remember about storing banana pudding.
How To Tell if Banana Pudding Has Gone Bad
You likely won’t require a manual to realize when your banana pudding has gone bad. Spoiled bananas, dairy, and cookies create quite a troublesome trio.
Though banana pudding usually holds up well, it’s crucial to recognize spoilage indicators.
Here are a few signs that your banana pudding might be spoiled:
- Presence of Mold
If you see any mold or weird colors on the pudding or cookies, it’s a surefire sign things have gone south. Mold can look fuzzy or slimy, and you’d want to avoid eating it.
- Funky Smell
If the banana pudding emits a sour, rotten, or off smell, it indicates that the ingredients have begun to spoil. Trust your sense of smell and discard the pudding if it doesn’t smell fresh.
- Weird Texture
When the pudding turns overly watery, curdled or gets an odd texture, it’s probably not good to eat anymore.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s better to play it safe and get rid of the pudding to avoid the possibility of getting sick from it.
Can You Freeze Banana Pudding?
Banana pudding is a dessert that works well in the freezer. It comes in various flavors, but the basic recipe includes sugar, bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract.
You can freeze either individual servings or the entire mixture.
After freezing, you can keep the pudding in a sealed container at room temperature or in the freezer.
When freezing banana pudding, use cold water instead of boiling water. This prevents the pudding from becoming overly thick and dense.
Adding excessive heat while freezing can lead to the pudding sticking and not freezing correctly. It’s essential to avoid this mistake.
Before making the custard, use a kitchen scale to measure the required butter and sugar.
After mixing everything, pour it into an ice cream maker or freeze it as you like.
How to Freeze Banana Pudding
“How long does banana pudding last?” was your initial question. Now you know, you’re thinking, “Well, how can I properly store it by freezing it?”
If you’ve concluded that you can’t store the banana pudding in the fridge or consume it within 3-4 days, understanding how to freeze the leftover portion is crucial to maintaining its flavor.
Find a container that seals well, preferably smaller than the original. Scrape off the sides of the dish you used before.
While doing this, watch for signs that your banana pudding might go bad, like a weird texture or mold.
Now, take a fresh lemon and slice a piece off. . Just like bananas and avocados, they turn brown due to oxidation.
To counter this, like how you’d spritz lemon on guacamole to keep it green, you can do the same with your banana pudding. The citric acid won’t impact the taste.
After you’ve squeezed in the lemon juice, seal the lid tight. Stick a label on top with the date you put it in. Keep the banana pudding in the freezer, and you’re good to roll.
Remember that you should enjoy your frozen dessert within a month. When you’re prepared to thaw it, put the container in the fridge and allow it to rest for approximately 24 hours before you serve it.
Other Methods To Store Your Banana Pudding Longer
Banana pudding is such a fabulous dessert to make. And knowing how to store it longer will make it even better!
Check out these tricks for keeping it fresh and stretching for a week or two. Give these tips a shot to ensure you store them correctly for an extended period.
Start by keeping a consistent temperature in mind. Banana pudding becomes a naturally velvety treat when you bake it slowly and use ripe, fresh bananas.
If you don’t let it cool down before putting on the pudding layer, the creamy mix might become too watery.
When you make your pudding ahead for a party or picnic, keep it covered until you’re ready to serve it. This helps for a tasty outcome.
Chilling your cooled pudding in the fridge enhances its flavor due to its slight acidity.
But remember, any food should be stored in an environment with a consistent temperature ranging from 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re a big fan of this but can’t enjoy it often because it doesn’t stay fresh for long, here’s a secret trick: you can extend its shelf life by another four days.
How? You might ask. All you need to do is wrap the pudding in a mylar blanket and keep it in a cooler set at a steady 50-degree temperature. This will keep it fresh for another four days.
The blanket keeps the pudding from dampening and helps maintain the temperature, making preservatives-free meals last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions – How Long Does Banana Pudding Last?
Why does my banana pudding get watery?
Making banana pudding might seem easy, but many folks get puzzled when their pudding ends up watery.
The issue usually comes from forcefully mixing the ingredients, which makes the pudding thick and soggy. If you combine things gently and right, you’ll have a light and fluffy dessert.
Is banana pudding safe to eat after its expiration date?
Don’t eat banana pudding after it’s expired! This stuff spoils fast because of the eggs, dairy, and coconut milk.
It might seem alright and smells fine, but trust us, it’s better to toss it to play it safe.
Can banana pudding be stored for up to several months?
With the help of a specialized freeze-drying machine, you can extend the shelf life of banana pudding to around 2-3 months.
This process removes all the moisture, preserving the dessert longer.
How long does banana pudding last in the freezer?
If you store and freeze banana pudding correctly, it should remain good for approximately a month. For the best quality, try to use it within one to two weeks after freezing.
How do you reheat banana pudding?
To warm up the pudding, pop it in the microwave. Put the pudding in a microwave-safe bowl, then heat it on medium for one minute. If necessary, add another thirty seconds.
Remember not to cover the pudding with aluminum foil while microwaving.
How long does homemade pudding last?
While pudding tends to have a longer shelf life compared to other foods, it can still spoil over time. This is because of its perishable nature. If you prepare pudding at home and keep it in the refrigerator, it typically remains good for about 5-7 days.
Why do my bananas turn brown in banana pudding?
Bananas go brown when you expose them to air. To stop this, just cover the banana slices with vanilla pudding to avoid contact with the surrounding air, or use a bit of citric acid.
Does banana pudding get thicker in the fridge?
Absolutely! The pudding will get thicker as it gets cold.
Conclusion – How Long Does Banana Pudding Last?
Summer’s almost over, so it’s time to plan those weekends! How about grabbing some banana pudding, gathering friends and family, and having a chill time in front of the TV?
But how long does banana pudding last? We’ve dug to find out when banana pudding might start to go off, so you can enjoy it while it’s still deliciously fresh.
Enjoy your delicious dessert!