Southern Banana Pudding Recipe

Banana pudding is a quintessential Southern dessert that has stood the test of time. This creamy, sweet, and comforting treat is layered with vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and a velvety pudding, topped off with an airy meringue that creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together at family gatherings, barbecues, and holiday celebrations.

If you’re looking to recreate this Southern classic, this heirloom banana pudding recipe is perfect. Made from scratch with love, this recipe will give you a rich, indulgent dessert that feels like a slice of Southern hospitality.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Recipe:

Classic Southern Flavor: This banana pudding recipe is rooted in tradition, offering a rich and creamy custard base with the perfect balance of sweet bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, holiday feast, or bringing a dessert to a potluck, banana pudding is always a hit. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love.

Old-Fashioned Comfort: There’s something special about the creamy layers, crunchy vanilla wafers, and fruity banana slices that create a comforting, nostalgic feeling.

Meringue Topping: This recipe uses a homemade meringue that’s perfectly sweet and fluffy, which creates a light and airy finish. It adds an extra special touch to the dessert.

Ingredients for Southern Banana Pudding:

For the Pudding:

1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and thickening the custard.

1/3 cup all-purpose flour – This thickens the pudding to the perfect creamy consistency.

1/4 teaspoon salt – To balance out the sweetness.

2 3/4 cups whole milk – Adds richness to the pudding.

4 large egg yolks – You’ll use these to create a rich, creamy base.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that essential, warm vanilla flavor.

For the Layers:

1 box of vanilla wafers – Classic for layering and adding a crunchy texture to the dessert.

4 ripe bananas – Sliced into rounds, the bananas provide the fruity freshness that balances the rich pudding.

For the Meringue:

4 large egg whites – These will be whipped into stiff peaks to create the meringue topping.

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar – To stabilize the egg whites and help them whip properly.

1/4 cup granulated sugar – To sweeten the meringue and help it form stiff peaks.

How to Make Southern Banana Pudding:

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly add the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and starts to bubble. This can take about 5-7 minutes. You want to cook it until it has the consistency of a thick custard.

Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens further. Be careful not to let it boil, as the eggs could curdle.

Remove the pudding from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool for a few minutes while you prepare the layers.

Step 2: Layer the Dessert

In a 9×13-inch serving dish, spread a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. You can arrange them in a single layer or slightly overlap them.

Top the vanilla wafers with a layer of sliced bananas.

Pour the slightly cooled pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers, spreading it evenly to cover the layers.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until the meringue forms stiff peaks. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape when lifted with a spatula.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the meringue over the pudding, spreading it all the way to the edges of the dish to seal the pudding. This will prevent it from shrinking while baking.

Use a spatula to create soft peaks in the meringue, giving it a beautiful finish.

Bake the pudding in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and slightly toasted.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the banana pudding cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours to allow the pudding to set. This chilling time is crucial for the dessert to come together properly and for the meringue to firm up.

Serve the banana pudding chilled, and enjoy the creamy, sweet layers with a crunchy bite of vanilla wafers.

Why This Recipe Works:

Rich, Creamy Pudding: The homemade pudding is thickened with flour and cooked until creamy, creating the perfect base for this Southern dessert. The egg yolks give it a rich flavor, while the vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic taste.

Balance of Texture: The vanilla wafers add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft, creamy pudding and the fresh banana slices. This balance of flavors and textures is what makes banana pudding so irresistible.

Perfect Meringue: The meringue is light, airy, and sweet, with the perfect golden brown color that adds a beautiful finishing touch. It forms a beautiful, crispy top that complements the creamy filling below.

Southern Tradition: Banana pudding is a beloved Southern dessert, and this recipe stays true to its roots, offering a flavor-packed dessert that tastes like home.

Tips for Making the Best Banana Pudding:

Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for the best flavor and texture. Make sure they’re sweet and slightly soft, but not overripe.

Don’t rush the meringue: Be patient when making the meringue. Make sure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks, and the meringue should be glossy and smooth before baking.

Layering the bananas: Be careful not to let the bananas sit too long before layering them, as they can turn brown. Add them as soon as possible to maintain their freshness.

Chill before serving: Let the pudding set in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up, making it even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions:

With Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the banana pudding with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The light creaminess adds a perfect finish to this rich dessert.

Topped with Fresh Berries: If you want a fresh touch, top the pudding with some fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, to add a pop of color and flavor.

Chilled Slices: Slice the banana pudding into squares after it’s been refrigerated and enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat.

Conclusion:

This Southern Banana Pudding recipe is a comforting, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy pudding, fresh bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and golden meringue topping, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just because, this banana pudding is sure to become a cherished favorite.

So, gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and treat yourself to a classic dessert that’s loved by all!

Enjoy your classic Southern banana pudding and happy baking! 🍌🥧

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