There are some desserts that evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia, transporting you back to childhood, family gatherings, and pure comfort. This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding is precisely that kind of dish. It’s a timeless Southern classic, featuring layers of tender vanilla wafers, sweet fresh bananas, and a rich, creamy custard, all crowned with a light, golden meringue. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a true embodiment of homemade goodness that always brings smiles to faces.

Why I Love This Recipe

This banana pudding recipe is a cherished gem for many reasons. What I love most is its authentic, old-fashioned appeal. It uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a deeply satisfying dessert that tastes just like Grandma used to make. The homemade custard is incredibly rich and velvety, providing the perfect creamy counterpoint to the soft bananas and crisp vanilla wafers.

The layers are crucial: the wafers soften slightly from the custard, creating a delightful cake-like texture, while still offering little pockets of gentle crunch. And that meringue topping? It’s the crowning glory—light, airy, and beautifully browned, adding an elegant finish and a hint of extra sweetness. It’s a labor of love, but every spoonful is worth the effort, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual potlucks to holiday feasts. It truly is comfort food at its best.

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Ingredients:

• 4 fresh bananas, peeled and sliced (ripe but still firm is ideal)
• Approximately 1 box Vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers work perfectly)
• 3/4 cup sugar (for the pudding)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the pudding)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening pudding)
• 3 cups PET milk (evaporated milk, or whole milk for a lighter custard)
• 4 egg yolks (reserved from meringue eggs)
• A small pat of butter (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring (for the pudding)

Meringue for Pudding:

• 4 egg whites (reserved from pudding yolks)
• 1/2 cup sugar (for the meringue)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring (for the meringue)
• Pinch of cream of tartar (helps stabilize egg whites)

Swaps and Notes

• Bananas: Use ripe bananas with brown speckles, but not overly mushy, so they hold their shape when sliced. Slice them right before assembling to prevent browning.
• Vanilla Wafers: Nilla Wafers are the classic choice, but any plain vanilla cookie or even shortbread cookies could work.
• PET Milk (Evaporated Milk): This is traditional for a rich, creamy custard. Whole milk can be substituted for a slightly lighter pudding, but the richness will be different. Do not use sweetened condensed milk.
• Egg Yolks: These provide richness and act as a thickener for the custard. Make sure to separate them carefully from the whites.
• Butter (Pudding): A small pat of butter adds a touch of richness and gloss to the cooked custard.
• Vanilla Flavoring: Pure vanilla extract is always best for both the pudding and meringue.
• Meringue: Cream of tartar is important for stabilizing the egg whites, helping them whip up to stiff peaks. Ensure your bowl and beaters are impeccably clean and grease-free for successful meringue.

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Directions:

Creating this Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding involves making the custard, layering, and then topping with a beautiful meringue.

1. Prepare Layers: In a medium bowl, slice the 4 fresh bananas. Set aside. In a 2-quart casserole dish (a 9×13 inch baking dish works too for a larger, shallower pudding), arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top this with a layer of the sliced bananas.
2. Make the Custard: In a medium saucepan on the stovetop, whisk together the 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups PET milk, 4 egg yolks, and the small pat of butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring continuously with a whisk, for about 8 minutes until the mixture thickens significantly to a rich, pudding-like consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
3. Cool Pudding: Remove the saucepan from the stove. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring. Allow the pudding mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to prevent the bananas from cooking when layered.
4. Assemble Pudding Layers: Pour a portion of the cooled pudding mixture over the layer of vanilla wafers and bananas in the casserole dish. Continue to create layers: add another layer of vanilla wafers, then sliced bananas, and then more pudding. Repeat until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding.
5. Instructions for Meringue: While the pudding layers are setting slightly, prepare the meringue. In a clean, dry large mixing bowl, beat the 4 egg whites and a pinch of cream of tartar on high speed with an electric mixer until they become stiff and glossy, and firm peaks form when you lift the beaters. Gradually add the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring to the egg whites, continuing to beat on high speed until the sugar is fully dissolved and the meringue is thick, glossy, and holds very stiff peaks.
6. Top & Broil: Gently spread the prepared meringue over the top layer of the banana pudding, ensuring it touches the edges of the dish to create a seal (this helps prevent shrinking). Place the casserole dish under your oven’s broiler (monitor very carefully!) for about 2-3 minutes, or until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown on top.
7. Serve: Remove from broiler. Serve warm for a comforting treat, or allow to cool completely and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for a firmer, set pudding.

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Pro Tip:

For the creamiest custard and best results, ensure your egg yolks are at room temperature. Also, when cooking the custard, stir continuously to prevent scorching and ensure an incredibly smooth texture. And for the meringue, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are impeccably clean and grease-free – any trace of fat can prevent egg whites from whipping properly!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding is a complete dessert on its own, a true comfort food masterpiece.

• Plain & Simple: Best enjoyed by the spoonful, allowing the layers of flavor and texture to shine.
• Southern Feast: A quintessential dessert for a Southern-inspired meal. It pairs beautifully after something hearty like pot roast or fried chicken.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a comforting herbal tea complements its sweetness.
• Other Banana Treats: If you’re a banana lover, you might also enjoy a slice of this pudding alongside my This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas or a delightful slice of Banana Cake.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This pudding is often best consumed within a day or two for optimal freshness of the bananas and wafers.

• Storage: Store any leftover Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding, covered tightly with plastic wrap (ensure wrap doesn’t touch meringue if possible, or gently touch to prevent drying), in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Banana Browning: The bananas may start to brown over time, which is natural. This won’t affect flavor significantly, but presentation might change.
• Wafers Softening: The vanilla wafers will continue to soften as they sit, becoming fully cake-like.
• Best Fresh: While delicious as leftovers, the meringue is best fresh, and the wafers have a slight crispness on the first day.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the classic, comforting sweetness and easy-to-make nature of this banana pudding, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic dessert and sweet treat recipes:

• For a truly massive version of this beloved classic, check out my This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
• If you’re a fan of rich baked goods with banana, my This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas is a fantastic choice.
• For another moist and delicious banana-infused treat, don’t miss Banana Cake.
• And for a fun, over-the-top breakfast or dessert with a creamy drizzle, consider Oreo Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle.

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Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey back to simple pleasures and heartwarming flavors. With its creamy custard, tender bananas, soft wafers, and delicate meringue, it’s a true Southern classic that brings comfort and joy to any table. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of homemade goodness. Go ahead, make a batch, and create some new delicious memories!

What’s your favorite nostalgic dessert from your childhood? Share your stories and tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.