Here’s a classic Southern Banana Pudding recipe — creamy, dreamy, and layered with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and silky pudding. 🍌🍮
Perfect for holidays, picnics, or anytime you need a comforting dessert!
🍌 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the pudding:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
For layering:
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
For topping (choose one):
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- OR meringue made from the 3 reserved egg whites
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the pudding
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Whisk in milk and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly (about 8–10 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
- Let cool slightly (5–10 minutes).
2. Assemble the pudding
- In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, layer:
- A layer of vanilla wafers
- A layer of banana slices
- A layer of warm pudding
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
3. Add topping
If using whipped cream:
- Chill pudding first, then spread whipped cream over the top before serving.
If using meringue:
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add ¼ cup sugar and beat until glossy.
- Spread over pudding while still warm.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until golden.
4. Chill & serve
- Let pudding cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (overnight is best).
- Serve chilled with extra banana slices and crushed wafers on top.
💡 Tips
- To keep bananas from browning, lightly toss them in lemon juice before layering.
- Use instant vanilla pudding mix (2 boxes + 3 cups milk) for a quick no-cook version.
- Add a dollop of cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk to the pudding for a richer texture — that’s the “Magnolia Bakery style”!
Would you like me to share that no-bake creamy banana pudding with cream cheese & condensed milk version next? It’s ultra-rich and super easy. 🍌
