Old Fashioned Southern Banana Pudding is made with homemade vanilla pudding, vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and whipped topping! A simple southern dessert recipe that is sure to be loved.
This has to be one of my favorite desserts. I like it to be made from scratch to get the best flavors. Homemade creamy vanilla pudding is just delicious and much better flavor than boxed pudding. Every time I talk about banana pudding, my husband will start humming or singing about banana puddin'. I thought he was just making up a song. One night he started playing the song on his phone and I laughed my butt off. I couldn't believe there was a song about banana pudding, but how fun. One line in the song mentions it tastes better the next day and it is so true! All the flavors get together for a flavorful party. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!
Try some of our other favorites, such as Old Fashioned Punch Bowl Cake, Easy Kahlua Trifle Cake, Easy Homemade Shamrock Shake Copycat, or Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffins.
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Ingredients for Classic Banana Pudding
- fresh bananas
- whole milk
- granulated sugar
- salt
- egg yolks
- vanilla extract
- all purpose flour
- vanilla wafers
- whipped topping/Cool Whip
FAQs
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and a rich, creamy pudding, often topped with whipped cream or meringue. It's typically served chilled and is a popular choice for gatherings and potlucks.
Yes, banana pudding can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld and the wafers soften.
Common toppings for banana pudding include:
Whipped cream, Meringue, Crushed vanilla wafers, Sliced bananas, or
Caramel or chocolate drizzle
Top Tips
- To prevent the bananas from browning, you can spritz each slice with a little lime or lemon juice. Be careful to not spray too much or it will change the flavor of the pudding, plus make it too watery.
- When it comes to making the best homemade Southern banana pudding, using fresh, ripe bananas is essential. Look for bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots, as they'll offer the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- Slice the bananas right before using them to prevent much exposure to air, which causes the browning.
- If you can, make this dessert a day in advance. Refrigeration really makes the flavors come together and the wafers to softened some.
- Around any holidays, I have trouble finding vanilla wafers. If you have trouble finding them, try shortbread cookies, animal crackers, or even graham crackers.
- Use the egg whites to make meringue for the top, if desired. I have always had it with whipping cream on top, but meringue is another popular topping for this pudding.
- Store covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to make Southern Banana Pudding
- In a medium or large saucepan, combine all purpose flour, granulated sugar, cold milk, salt, vanilla extract, and egg yolks over medium heat. Cook 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
- In a 9x13" baking dish or in a trifle dish, place about half of the box of vanilla wafers on the bottom.
- Layer sliced bananas on top of the wafer layer.
- Spread half of the homemade pudding mixture on top of the bananas.
- Repeat layers.
- Place in the refrigerator to cool, so the whipped cream does not melt on the warm pudding. Once the pudding is cooled. Gently layer whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers or extra bananas, on top of the pudding, or just eat. Scoop and enjoy!
Homemade Southern Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 4-5 medium ripe bananas
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 8 oz whipped topping
Instructions
- In a medium or large saucepan, combine all purpose flour, granulated sugar, cold milk, salt, vanilla extract, and egg yolks over medium heat. Cook 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
- In a 9x13" baking dish or in a trifle dish, place about half of the box of vanilla wafers on the bottom.
- Layer sliced bananas on top of the wafers.
- Spread half of the homemade pudding mixture on top of the bananas.
- Repeat layers. Place in the refrigerator to cool, so the whipped cream does not melt on the warm pudding. Once the pudding is cooled. Gently layer whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers or extra bananas, on top of the pudding, or just eat. Scoop and enjoy!
Art DeVita
How many calories in the Banana Pudding? Can I make it without the vanilla wafers?
Jill Lockridge
Hello! Calories are around 646 per serving (the type of milk used will make this vary). If you remove the vanilla wafers, calories will be around 591. This pudding will be delicious with or without the wafers. I hope you enjoy it!