Southern Banana Pudding is the kind of dessert that transports you to a simpler time, evoking memories of family gatherings, summer picnics, and holidays spent around a table filled with laughter and good food. This dessert, with its layers of soft, ripe bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and a topping of golden meringue or whipped cream, is an iconic treat that perfectly captures the essence of Southern hospitality. While it’s a traditional dessert, there’s always room to make it your own by tweaking the ingredients or presentation. In this version, we’ll stick close to the roots of this beloved recipe while elevating it just a touch to create something truly special for your family to enjoy.

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Banana pudding has been a staple of Southern cuisine for generations. It’s one of those desserts that effortlessly combines texture and flavor—soft bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and silky smooth pudding come together in every bite to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. This recipe uses fresh bananas, homemade custard, and vanilla wafers to build the layers, and it’s all topped off with a fluffy meringue that bakes to golden perfection. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, whether for a family gathering or a potluck, Southern Banana Pudding is the perfect choice.

A Brief History of Banana Pudding and Why It’s So Loved

Banana pudding is believed to have first gained popularity in the Southern United States in the late 19th century, when bananas became more readily available. The dish was inspired by English trifle desserts, which typically consisted of layers of sponge cake, fruit, and custard. However, in this American version, vanilla wafers replaced sponge cake, and bananas became the star of the show. What makes banana pudding so beloved is its balance of flavors—the sweetness of the bananas, the richness of the custard, and the slight crunch from the vanilla wafers all come together beautifully. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from family dinners to summer picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Southern Banana Pudding

This Southern Banana Pudding recipe takes the classic elements of this cherished dessert and makes them shine even brighter. With homemade vanilla custard, layers of fresh bananas, and perfectly crisp vanilla wafer cookies, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. The creamy pudding is made from scratch with whole milk, eggs, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract, creating a silky base for the bananas and cookies. The meringue topping, made from egg whites whipped into soft peaks, is spread over the pudding and baked until golden, giving the dessert a beautiful and light finish.

You’ll love the balance of flavors and textures, from the sweetness of the bananas to the crunch of the cookies and the rich creaminess of the custard. The meringue adds a cloud-like lightness that contrasts beautifully with the pudding below. And the best part? This dessert can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect choice for busy days when you need a show-stopping dish that’s ready to go when you are.

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Nutritional Information for Southern Banana Pudding (Per Serving, Serves 8)  

• • Calories: 350 kcal  
  • Protein: 6g  
  • Fat: 12g  
  • Carbohydrates: 54g  
  • Fiber: 2g  
  • Sugar: 35g  
  • Sodium: 160mg

Serving Suggestions to Make Your Banana Pudding Even More Special

This Southern Banana Pudding is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each serving, or serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream for a cool and creamy contrast to the pudding’s rich custard base. You could also garnish each slice with a few extra vanilla wafers or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair. Banana pudding is a wonderful dessert for any occasion, but serving it with a little something extra will make it even more memorable for your guests.

Storage Information for Your Southern Banana Pudding

Southern Banana Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the vanilla wafers may lose some of their crunch after a day or so, but the pudding will remain just as delicious. If you prefer, you can reserve some extra vanilla wafers to add to individual servings for a bit of crunch. The meringue topping may weep slightly after refrigeration, but this won’t affect the flavor of the dessert.

Extra Fun Tip for Taking Your Banana Pudding to the Next Level

To give your Southern Banana Pudding an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture. This will add a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the vanilla custard. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you could also add a teaspoon of banana liqueur or a bit of almond extract for a unique twist.

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Southern Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:  

• 5 medium bananas  
• 4 large eggs  
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour  
• 1/4 cup cornstarch  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt  
• 3/4 cup sugar  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
• 1 package of about 50 vanilla wafer cookies  
• 3 cups whole milk

Instructions:  

1. Prepare the Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Slowly add in the whole milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken and bubble. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

2. Temper the Eggs: In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to temper them. This will prevent the eggs from curdling when added to the hot custard. Once the eggs are tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the custard.

3. Finish the Custard: Return the saucepan to the stove and cook the custard over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.

4. Assemble the Pudding: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the vanilla wafers across the bottom. Slice the bananas and arrange half of them on top of the wafers. Pour half of the custard over the bananas and wafers, spreading it out evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, and custard.

5. Make the Meringue: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the top of the pudding, making sure it touches the edges of the baking dish to prevent it from shrinking.

6. Bake the Pudding: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the banana pudding for 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the banana pudding chilled, straight from the refrigerator. For an extra touch, garnish with additional vanilla wafers or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

This Southern Banana Pudding is the perfect dessert for any family gathering or special occasion. With its creamy custard, sweet bananas, and light meringue topping, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone around the table.