Nana’s Classic Naner Puddin: A Southern Tradition You’ll Love

Photo byAngie Bright

Few desserts bring back sweet memories like a homemade Naner Puddin. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just a Sunday after-dinner treat, this creamy dessert has a special place in many hearts. With its layers of soft vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a velvety pudding mixture, Naner Puddin is a dish that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Banana pudding, often referred to as Naner Puddin in the South, is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the nostalgic flavors of childhood to the warmth it brings to any occasion, this dessert has been passed down through generations. Each bite is a creamy combination of flavors and textures – from the sweet bananas to the crunchy wafers softened by pudding, making it a perfect comfort food that’s hard to resist.

What makes this Naner Puddin recipe so special is the balance of creaminess and sweetness. The blend of cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk adds richness, while the French Vanilla pudding gives it an extra layer of flavor. Bananas lend their natural sweetness and, of course, the vanilla wafers provide that nostalgic crunch. You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up this dessert; it’s easy, satisfying, and loved by everyone.

Recipe: Naner Puddin

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or an equal amount of sweetened whipped cream)

Instructions:

1. Layer the Base: Begin by lining the bottom of a 13×9 inch dish with a layer of vanilla wafers. Top this with a layer of freshly sliced bananas.
2. Make the Pudding: In a bowl, mix the milk and French Vanilla pudding using a handheld electric mixer until smooth and thickened.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Once well combined, gently fold in the whipped topping or whipped cream until incorporated.
4. Combine and Blend: Add the cream cheese mixture to the prepared pudding mixture, stirring until both are thoroughly combined.
5. Assemble the Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture over the banana and wafer layers, spreading it evenly across the dish.
6. Top It Off: Finish by adding another layer of vanilla wafers on top, creating that signature crunch.
7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dish until it's set and ready to serve. For the best flavor and texture, let it chill for a few hours or even overnight.

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

The beauty of Naner Puddin lies in its simplicity. It’s a dessert that can be enjoyed on a warm summer afternoon or as a comforting sweet treat during the holidays. The combination of flavors is so well-balanced that it pleases everyone at the table – from kids to adults alike.

This creamy pudding doesn’t just offer great taste but also a sense of tradition and togetherness. No matter where you serve it, this dessert brings smiles and a sense of nostalgia to anyone lucky enough to dig into it. The soft bananas, crunchy wafers, and velvety cream layers combine to create a dessert that's truly unforgettable.

If you’re looking to recreate a bit of nostalgia in your kitchen, this Naner Puddin recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make but delivers layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

For your Naner Puddin' recipe, there are several excellent sources that offer variations of this classic dessert.

1. Where the Dogwood Blooms provides a version that includes instant cheesecake pudding mix along with cream cheese and condensed milk, making it extra rich and creamy​(Where The Dogwood Blooms).
2. Paula Deen’s Not Yo’ Mama's Banana Pudding is another popular variation that uses French vanilla pudding mix, cream cheese, and Chessmen cookies instead of vanilla wafers, adding a unique twist​(Paula Deen).
3. Taste of Home offers a more traditional approach with vanilla pudding and tips on preventing the bananas from browning​(Taste of Home).
4. Mommy's Kitchen also shares a no-bake version that includes cream cheese, condensed milk, and whipped topping for a fuss-free preparation​(Mommy's Kitchen).

These sources offer different takes on the classic recipe, each adding a personal twist while staying true to the dessert’s creamy and comforting nature. You can try different combinations from these recipes to find your favorite version!