Description

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dessert, Old Fashioned Southern Banana Pudding is a timeless classic that never disappoints. This easy recipe layers creamy homemade custard, fresh bananas, and classic vanilla wafers, then tops everything with a fluffy golden meringue. It’s a nostalgic dessert perfect for dinner ideas, food ideas, and crowd-pleasing gatherings. Whether served warm or chilled, this classic Southern banana pudding delivers rich flavor and irresistible texture. Soft cookies soak into silky custard while toasted meringue adds a light airy finish, making it one of the most beloved easy dessert recipes.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups whole milk

4 large eggs separated

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 to 5 ripe bananas sliced

11 ounces vanilla wafer cookies

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish

2. Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan then slowly whisk in milk

3. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the mixture thickens

4. Beat egg yolks in a bowl and slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot custard to temper

5. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until thick

6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract

7. Layer vanilla wafers on the bottom of the baking dish followed by sliced bananas

8. Pour warm custard over the bananas and wafers

9. Repeat the layers ending with custard on top

10. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form

11. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff glossy peaks form then mix in vanilla

12. Spread the meringue over the hot pudding sealing it to the edges of the dish

13. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until meringue is golden brown

14. Cool for about 30 minutes before serving

Notes

Use ripe bananas with brown speckles for the best sweetness and flavor.

Cook the custard slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps or scorching.

Spread the meringue completely to the edges of the dish to keep it from shrinking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: banana pudding, old fashioned banana pudding, southern banana pudding recipe, homemade banana pudding, easy dessert recipe