Old Fashioned Banana Pudding 🍌🍮
A timeless Southern classic made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla wafers—this Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is rich, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or just when you need a little comfort in a bowl!
Ingredients:
For the Pudding:
¾ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
3 cups whole milk
3 large eggs, separated (yolks for the pudding, whites for meringue)
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Layers:
4 ripe bananas, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
1 (11 oz) box of Nilla wafers (or similar vanilla cookies)
For the Meringue Topping (Optional but classic!):
3 egg whites
¼ tsp cream of tartar
6 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the Pudding Base:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
Gradually whisk in the milk, then add the egg yolks.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles—about 10-12 minutes. The pudding should coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside to slightly cool.
Layer the Pudding:
In a 2-quart baking dish or trifle bowl, begin layering:
A layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom
A layer of banana slices
A layer of warm pudding
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of pudding on top.
Make the Meringue (Optional but recommended!):
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Beat in the vanilla extract.
Spread the meringue over the pudding, sealing it to the edges of the dish.
Bake the Meringue:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown on top.
Let the pudding cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set completely.
Serve:
Scoop generous portions into dessert bowls and enjoy chilled. Each spoonful is packed with silky pudding, sweet bananas, soft cookies, and that nostalgic taste of Grandma’s kitchen.
🍽️ Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours
🍽️ Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes | Servings: 8
💛 This Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is everything a dessert should be: simple, classic, and full of love. Save it, share it, and watch it disappear at every gathering