Description
Southern Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that combines layers of creamy homemade custard, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all topped with a golden, fluffy meringue. This nostalgic treat is rich in flavor, comforting, and perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions. Whether served warm or chilled, this dessert embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3½ cups whole milk, divided
- 8 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Assembly:
- 11-ounce box vanilla wafers
- 6 medium bananas, sliced ½-inch thick
For the Meringue:
- 8 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Custard:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Add ½ cup milk and egg yolks; whisk until smooth.
- Heat the remaining 3 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
- Temper the eggs by whisking 1 cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture. Gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas.
- Pour half the custard over the bananas and spread evenly.
- Repeat the layers: wafers, bananas, and custard.
- Make the Meringue:
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Top the Pudding:
- Spread the meringue over the pudding, sealing it to the edges of the dish.
- Use a spatula to create decorative peaks.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving warm. Alternatively, refrigerate and serve chilled.
Notes
- For the best texture, use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas may become mushy during baking.
- If you prefer whipped cream over meringue, simply skip the meringue step and top with whipped cream before serving.
- Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers or caramel drizzle for added flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg