Few desserts capture Southern nostalgia the way homemade banana pudding does. Layered with velvety vanilla custard, sweet bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and a billowy baked meringue, this made-from-scratch classic tastes like something straight from a Sunday family table. No shortcuts — just true, traditional comfort.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Ripe bananas, sliced thin | 4–5 |
| Vanilla wafers | 1 box |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp |
| Large egg yolks | 4 |
Tip: Lightly toss your banana slices with lemon juice or keep them covered to prevent browning.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Egg whites (room temperature) | 4 |
| Granulated sugar | 5 tbsp |
| Cream of tartar | ¼ tsp |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and cover the bottom with a layer of vanilla wafers to form the foundation.
Whisk the sugar, flour, and salt together in a bowl. This will be the thickening base for your custard.
In a heavy saucepan, beat the egg yolks. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla.
Cook over medium heat, stirring nonstop, until the mixture thickens into a smooth pudding.
Blend in the butter and mix until melted and fully combined.
Keep the heat steady and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
Arrange banana slices over the wafers. Pour half of the warm custard across the bananas.
Add another layer of wafers and bananas, then spread the remaining custard on top.
In a spotless, grease-free bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar.
Slowly beat in the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the whites reach stiff peaks.
Fold in the vanilla extract gently.
Spread the meringue over the entire surface, touching the edges of the dish to keep it from shrinking.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until beautifully golden.
Let the pudding cool on the counter.
Serve warm for that classic cozy feel, or chill it for a refreshing, cool treat.
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