Southern Banana Pudding Recipe

Southern banana pudding is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time, often seen at family gatherings, potlucks, and church socials. This creamy, comforting treat is made with layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers. Here’s how to make an authentic Southern banana pudding that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

To make this delicious Southern banana pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 box of vanilla wafer cookies
• 4 ripe bananas
• Whipped cream or meringue (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding

Start by making the vanilla pudding from scratch. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream, and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.

While the milk mixture is warming up, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth. Once the milk and cream mixture is warm but not boiling, slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.

Pro Tip: Make sure to pour slowly and whisk vigorously to avoid cooking the eggs too quickly.

2. Cook the Mixture

Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens—this will take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Layer the Pudding

Now that the pudding is ready, it’s time to layer the dessert. Start by arranging a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pro Tip: For a beautiful presentation, alternate between whole wafers and broken pieces to create a more uniform look.

Next, slice 4 ripe bananas and layer them evenly over the cookies. Pour half of the prepared pudding over the bananas and cookies.

Repeat the layering process: another layer of cookies, followed by bananas, and then the remaining pudding on top.

4. Add the Topping

You can choose to top your Southern banana pudding with either whipped cream or meringue. For whipped cream, simply spread a generous amount over the pudding. If you prefer meringue, beat 3 egg whites until stiff peaks form, adding a little sugar to sweeten it, then spread it over the pudding.

Pro Tip: If you’re using meringue, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown to achieve that perfect crispy top.

5. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set. This resting time is crucial for getting the perfect consistency and flavor.

Pro Tip: The longer you let it chill, the better the pudding will taste!

Tips for the Best Southern Banana Pudding

• Use ripe but firm bananas: Too soft, and they will turn mushy; too firm, and they won’t have the right sweetness.
• Make your pudding from scratch: While store-bought pudding is convenient, homemade adds a depth of flavor and creaminess that takes this dessert to the next level.
• Don’t skip the chilling time: This is key for the texture of the pudding and for the flavors to fully come together.

Conclusion

There you have it—a traditional Southern banana pudding recipe that’s sure to impress. This rich, creamy dessert with layers of sweet banana, crunchy cookies, and velvety pudding is the perfect way to end any meal. Enjoy!