Nothing beats the creamy, dreamy layers of banana pudding made from scratch! This classic Southern dessert features rich vanilla pudding, crisp vanilla wafers, and perfectly ripe bananas. It’s easy to assemble, full of flavor, and always a hit at gatherings, potlucks, picnics, or holidays. For more banana-inspired desserts, try my Banana Pudding Poke Cake or Banana Pudding Cookies.
What is Banana Pudding?
Banana pudding is a layered dessert made with vanilla-flavored custard or pudding, vanilla wafers or ladyfingers, and fresh banana slices, often topped with whipped cream or meringue. This dessert has been a Southern favorite since the late 1800s, and for good reason—it’s creamy, refreshing, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For layering:
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 8 oz)
- 4 bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Make the pudding:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt.
- Whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low and cook an additional 2 minutes.
- Temper the eggs:
- In a small bowl, whisk eggs.
- Add a small amount of the hot pudding to the eggs, whisking constantly.
- Return egg mixture to the saucepan and cook until a gentle boil forms, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla and remove from heat. Let cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the pudding:
- In an 8-inch square pan, layer about 25 vanilla wafers on the bottom.
- Add half of the banana slices on top.
- Pour half of the pudding over the bananas and wafers.
- Repeat layers, ending with a final layer of pudding.
- Chill:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve:
- Just before serving, crush remaining wafers on top for added crunch. Enjoy cold!
Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding
- Use ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
- Chill overnight to let the flavors meld together.
- Add whipped cream or meringue on top for a more decadent version.
- For quick prep, use boxed vanilla pudding, but homemade is always best!
Storage
- Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Fresh bananas on top are best added just before serving.
- Freezing is not recommended, as it will alter the pudding’s texture.
Variations
- Banana-Free Version: Skip the bananas for a classic vanilla pudding dessert.
- Graham Cracker Layers: Substitute graham crackers for vanilla wafers.
- Warm Serving: Serve warm for a comforting, homestyle dessert.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 221 kcal
- Carbs: 40 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 31 g
This Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a timeless dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly layered. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!