Step back in time and savor a taste of pure Southern comfort with this incredible Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’! This beloved dessert is a symphony of creamy custard, tender banana slices, crisp vanilla wafers, all crowned with a delicate, toasted meringue. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth, nostalgia, and irresistible sweetness to any gathering, making it the ultimate comfort food dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’ is a recipe that truly speaks to my soul, and it’s a dessert I genuinely cherish for its nostalgic charm and incredible flavor. What I love most is the way it perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe bananaswith the delicate crunch of vanilla wafers and a rich, homemade vanilla custard. The combination of regular milk and PET (evaporated) milk in the custard creates an unparalleled creaminess and depth that’s simply irresistible. And of course, that fluffy, golden-brown meringue topping is the crowning glory, adding a light, sweet finish. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug, tastes like a piece of history, and always brings smiles and contented sighs from everyone who enjoys it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’:
- 4 bananas, ripe but firm, peeled and sliced
- Vanilla wafers (about 50 wafers, enough for layers)
- 3/4 cup sugar (for pudding)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for pudding)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup regular milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups PET milk (evaporated milk, 12 oz can approx.)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring (for pudding)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional, for bananas)
For Meringue:
- 4 egg whites (from the eggs separated for yolks)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for meringue)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for meringue)
Swaps and Notes
- Bananas: Use ripe but still slightly firm bananas (yellow with a few brown spots) for the best texture in the pudding. Very soft bananas can become mushy.
- Vanilla Wafers: Nilla Wafers are the classic choice. About 50 wafers will provide sufficient layers.
- PET Milk (Evaporated Milk): This is crucial for the traditional creamy custard flavor and texture. Do not substitute with regular milk or sweetened condensed milk.
- Egg Yolks/Whites: This recipe uses separated eggs. The yolks go into the pudding for richness, and the whites are used for the meringue.
- Vanilla Flavoring: Good quality vanilla extract is best for pure flavor.
- Lemon Juice (for bananas): A light sprinkle of lemon juice on the sliced bananas prevents them from turning brown, maintaining their fresh appearance. It’s optional if you don’t mind browning.
- 2 Quart Casserole Dish: A standard 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish works well.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’ assembled!
- Prepare Bananas: In a medium bowl, slice the 4 peeled bananas into rounds. If desired, lightly sprinkle them with a little lemon juice to help prevent them from turning black. Set aside.
- Layer Wafers & Bananas (Initial): In a 2-quart casserole dish, arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. (Optional: Use about 10 wafers to stand up around the side of the bowl for a pretty presentation, as traditional). Place a layer of sliced bananas over the vanilla wafers.
- Prepare Pudding (Stovetop): In a medium saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup regular milk, 1 1/2 cups PET milk (evaporated milk), and 4 large egg yolks. Whisk everything together thoroughly until well combined and lump-free.
- Cook Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously with a whisk, for about 7 or 8 minutes, or until the mixture just barely comes to a boil and becomes very thick, like pudding. Be sure to stir constantly, as it will burn very easily on the bottom if left unattended. The second you see it start to bubble and visibly thicken to a pudding-like consistency, remove it immediately from the heat.
- Add Vanilla to Pudding: Remove the saucepan from the stove and immediately stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.
- Cool Pudding (Slightly): Allow the pudding to cool for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to prevent a skin from forming and to allow it to thicken a bit more before layering.
- Assemble Pudding Layers: Pour about half of the slightly cooled pudding mixture over the vanilla wafers and bananas in the casserole dish. Continue to layer with more sliced bananas and vanilla wafers, then pour the remaining pudding mixture on top, ensuring it covers the layers.
- Prepare Meringue: While the pudding is setting, prepare the meringue. In a clean, dry bowl (preferably glass or metal) of a stand mixer or using a handheld electric mixer, beat the 4 egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form (the whites should hold their shape when the whisk is lifted). Gradually add the 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating into the egg whites until glossy and smooth, creating a stable meringue.
- Top with Meringue & Broil: Spread the prepared meringue evenly over the top of the pudding, ensuring it touches the edges of the dish to create a seal and prevent shrinking. Place the dish under a broiler (about 4-6 inches from the heat source) for about 2-3 minutes, or until the meringue is beautifully golden brown. Watch constantly to prevent burning, as broilers can brown very quickly.
- Cool & Chill: Remove the pudding from under the broiler. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld.
Enjoy your classic Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’!
Tips for Success
- Ripe but Firm Bananas: This balance is key for flavor and texture.
- Stir Pudding Constantly: This is the most crucial step to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth custard. Use a whisk for best results.
- Don’t Overcook Pudding: Cook until just thickened. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Cool Pudding Slightly Before Layering: This helps prevent the vanilla wafers from dissolving too quickly and allows the layers to set better.
- Clean Bowl for Meringue: Ensure your egg white bowl and whisk are perfectly clean and grease-free, or the meringue won’t whip up.
- Watch the Broiler: Meringue can burn very quickly under the broiler. Stay by the oven and pull it out as soon as it’s golden.
- Chill Time: Allow ample chilling time for the pudding to set perfectly and for the wafers to soften to that delightful cake-like texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’ is a complete and incredibly satisfying dessert on its own, perfect for:
- Family Dinners & Gatherings: A classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Potlucks & Picnics: Easy to transport and serve.
- Holiday Feasts: A comforting alternative to traditional holiday desserts.
- A quiet moment with coffee or tea: The perfect comforting treat.
- For other incredibly popular, easy, and family-friendly desserts, consider our This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd (a different take!) or our This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This banana pudding makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled and set leftover banana pudding, covered loosely with plastic wrap or a lid (to avoid condensation on the meringue), in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The wafers will continue to soften over time.
- Freezing: Banana pudding with meringue is not generally recommended for freezing, as the texture of both the custard and meringue can change significantly upon thawing (custard may separate, meringue may weep or become chewy).
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the creamy, comforting, and classic nature of this banana pudding, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free dessert and baking recipes:
- For another beloved banana bake, try our This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
- If you’re a fan of big, comforting desserts that feed a crowd, our This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd offers another fantastic banana pudding option.
- For sweet and simple treats, check out These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- And for a trendy breakfast idea that might surprise you, try The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyone’s.
Final Thoughts
This Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’ recipe is a true timeless classic, delivering layers of creamy custard, sweet bananas, and tender wafers, all topped with a delicate golden meringue. It’s perfect for bringing a piece of Southern culinary heritage and comforting sweetness to your table.
Give this recipe a try and let this delightful puddin’ become a new family tradition! What’s your favorite old-fashioned dessert that you love to make from scratch? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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