Description
Classic Southern Banana Pudding combines creamy homemade vanilla pudding with layers of crisp vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices for a comforting, nostalgic dessert perfect for family gatherings and warm weather treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 8 oz)
- 4 bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Make the pudding base: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Temper the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Slowly pour some of the hot pudding mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Then, return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the pudding thickens further.
- Add flavor and layer: Remove pudding from heat and stir in vanilla extract. In your serving dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then cover with a layer of pudding. Repeat these layers to use all ingredients, ending with a pudding layer on top.
- Chill and serve: Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set. Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness in the dessert.
- For a richer pudding, substitute part of the milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Vanilla wafers can be substituted with shortbread cookies or graham crackers for a different texture.
- For added texture, top with whipped cream just before serving.
- Make sure to whisk constantly when heating pudding to prevent lumps and burning.
