Banana Pudding Recipe

Classic Southern Banana Pudding Recipe (Easy & Creamy!)

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There’s nothing quite like a classic Southern Banana Pudding—creamy, sweet, and loaded with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and velvety custard. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, potluck, or just as a comforting dessert, this Banana Pudding Recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to make the best homemade banana pudding, along with expert tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive in!

Must Check: The Ultimate Guide to Passion Fruit

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this easy banana pudding, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pudding:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 4 large egg yolks (save the whites for meringue if desired)

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Layering:

  • 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced

  • 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers work best)

Optional Toppings:

  • Whipped cream or homemade whipped topping

  • Additional vanilla wafers or banana slices for garnish

  • Meringue (if making a baked version)

Banana Pudding Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pudding Base

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.

  2. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks and gradually mix in the milk.

  3. Slowly pour the egg-milk mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

  4. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).

  5. Remove from heat and stir in sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

2. Layer the Banana Pudding

  1. In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, place a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.

  2. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers.

  3. Pour a portion of the pudding over the bananas, spreading evenly.

  4. Repeat the layers (wafers → bananas → pudding) until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.

3. Chill & Serve

  • Cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the pudding to prevent a skin from forming).

  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.

  • Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with extra wafers or banana slices.

Tips for the Creamiest Banana Pudding

✔ Use ripe but firm bananas – Overripe bananas can turn mushy.
✔ Let the pudding cool slightly before layering to prevent the bananas from browning too quickly.
✔ For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
✔ Avoid lumpy pudding by whisking constantly while cooking.
✔ For a quicker version, use instant pudding mix, but homemade custard tastes far better!

How to Layer Banana Pudding Perfectly

The key to a perfect banana pudding lies in the layers. Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Start with wafers – They absorb moisture and add crunch before softening.

  2. Banana slices should be even – Too thick, and they dominate; too thin, and they disappear.

  3. Spread pudding smoothly – Use an offset spatula for even distribution.

  4. Repeat layers – Aim for 2-3 layers depending on dish size.

  5. Top with whipped cream – Adds lightness and balances sweetness.

Variations & Substitutions

1. No-Bake Banana Pudding

  • Use instant vanilla pudding mix combined with whipped topping for a quicker dessert.

2. Baked Banana Pudding (With Meringue)

  • Top with fluffy meringue (made from reserved egg whites) and bake at 350°F until golden.

3. Chocolate Banana Pudding

  • Add cocoa powder to the pudding or layer with chocolate wafers.

4. Dairy-Free/Vegan Banana Pudding

  • Substitute with almond milk, coconut milk, and vegan butter.

5. Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Mix cream cheese into the pudding for a denser, richer texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serving Ideas:

☑ Serve chilled in individual mason jars for a cute presentation.
☑ Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
☑ Great for picnics, BBQs, and holiday gatherings.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days (bananas may darken but are still safe to eat).

  • Freezing is not recommended (the texture changes).

  • If making ahead, add bananas just before serving to prevent browning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble without bananas, then add them 2-3 hours before serving.

2. Why are my vanilla wafers soggy?

This is normal—they soften into a cake-like texture. For crunch, add extra wafers on top before serving.

3. How do I keep bananas from turning brown?

Toss slices in lemon juice or layer them between pudding quickly to minimize air exposure.

4. Can I use pudding mix instead of homemade?

Yes, but homemade custard tastes richer and creamier.

5. What’s the secret to the best banana pudding?

Letting it chill overnight allows flavors to develop fully!

Final Thoughts

This Classic Southern Banana Pudding Recipe is a timeless dessert that’s easy, creamy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you stick to the traditional version or try a fun variation, it’s sure to be a hit.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate experience, make it a day ahead—the longer it sits, the better it gets!

Now that you have the best banana pudding recipe, it’s time to whip up a batch and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort. Happy cooking! �

Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️

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