Description
This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and vanilla wafers, all topped with a fluffy meringue or whipped cream. It’s a comforting, nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 45–50 vanilla wafer cookies
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
- Lightly beat the egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in some of the hot pudding mixture to temper the eggs, then stir the tempered eggs back into the saucepan.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
- Beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon the meringue over the pudding, spreading to the edges to seal.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.
- Cool slightly before serving, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness.
- Can be topped with whipped cream instead of meringue if preferred.
- Best served the same day but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
