Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

This Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is style of banana pudding my Mom and Gramma’s made.  It’s made with a rich vanilla egg custard that’s layered with vanilla wafers and slices of bananas then topped with a billowy homemade meringue that’s like velvet on your tongue.  The only difficult part about this vintage dessert is waiting for it to chill before eating.

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe

My obsession with banana pudding began at a very young age.  It was an absolute must on the dessert menu at every single special event or family gathering that we had, without exception. When the beginning stages of  an upcoming family gathering was in the works I can remember the cooks planning, who would be making the fried chicken, who was going to bring the meatloaf, the sweet tea and the banana pudding.  Coming from a very large family, there were tables filled with the best of Southern food, but these particular dishes were standard fare. Absolute perfection.

Tips for Making Old Fashioned Southern Banana Pudding

I make many many variations of Southern homemade banana pudding. Meringue is traditionally how classic old fashioned banana pudding is finished and for this recipe I wanted to stay true to that tradition.Some cooks prefer whipped cream. You can’t go wrong either way this classic Southern dessert is pure comfort.

• What kitchen tools will I need to make Southern Banana Pudding? For this recipe you’ll need a large heavy bottomed saucepan, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a 2 quart baking dish in any shape, I use an 11 x 7 inch dish. You’ll need a mixer to whip the meringue and an offset spatula, knife or large spoon to spread the meringue on top.
• What ingredients will I need to make banana pudding from scratch? You’ll need granulated sugar, evaporated milk, all purpose flour, butter, large eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, salt, cream of tarter to stabilize the whipped egg whites, vanilla wafers and fresh bananas.
• It’s best to choose firm ripe bananas with no brown spots.
• If you’d like a larger batch of banana pudding, double the recipe and use a 13 x 9 inch or any shape 3 quart baking dish.
• Make sure the banana layers are fully covered with pudding and meringue to prevent browning of the banana slices.
• If you’re concerned about oxidation, you can toss the banana slices with a small amount of fresh lemon juice prior to assembling.
• You can make this one day in advance, cover and chill before serving.

Other Banana Pudding Goodies to Try

Banana pudding in many forms should always be on the dessert menu. A few others you may enjoy:

• Banana Pudding Lush
• Chocolate Banana Pudding
• Banana Pudding Bread 
• Banana Pudding Cookies from Two Peas and Their Pod

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5 from 25 votes

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Chill Time4 hours hrs

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: old-fashioned-banana-pudding

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 384kcal

Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

• 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 6 large egg yolks reserve egg whites
• 2 1/3 cup half & half
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 11 oz box vanilla wafers
• 4 medium bananas sliced
• Meringue:
• 6 reserved egg whites
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cream of tarter
• 6 Tbsp granulated sugar

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Instructions

• In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, flour and salt until dissolved.
• On the stove top in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-high, warm the evaporated milk mixture.
• In the same mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the half & half. Whisk into the warmed evaporated milk mixture.
• Cook stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes over medium heat until the flour has cooked and the custard has thickened. Once thickened remove from the heat and whisk in 2 Tbsp of butter and 1 Tbsp of pure vanilla. Set aside
• Layer the bottom of a 7 x 11-inch oven safe dish with vanilla wafers. Top with banana slices. Cover with 1/2 of the custard. Repeat ending with custard.
• Whip the 6 reserved egg whites with the vanilla, and cream of tarter. Sweeten with granulated sugar.
• Whip for 3-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue on top of the banana pudding.
• Set the oven to broil to toast the top until golden.
• Garnish the edge with vanilla wafers, if desired.
• Store chilled.

Notes

1. If you'd like to garnish the edge with vanilla wafers, separate out the amount needed to rim the dish before assembling the banana pudding. Use the rest in the dish.
2. Make a double batch to fill a 13 x 9 inch dish

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 216mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 373IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg

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