Nostalgic Banana Pudding Recipe: Just Like Grandma’s
Southern kitchens have long cherished this classic old-fashioned homemade banana pudding recipe that brings comfort with every creamy spoonful.
Layers of silky custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers create a dessert that whispers nostalgia.
Generations have passed down this sweet tradition, perfecting each delectable element.
Rich, smooth pudding nestles between tender banana slices and crisp cookies, creating a symphony of textures.
The dessert radiates warmth from its simple yet profound ingredients.
Every bite connects you to cherished memories of summer gatherings and grandma’s kitchen.
This timeless treat promises to delight and transport you to a world of pure, sweet satisfaction.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Calories: 230 kcal
Servings: 9
What Goes Into Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding
For Pudding Base:
Sugar: Sweetens the pudding and balances the creamy flavor, choose fine granulated sugar for smooth texture.
Flour: Provides thickness and structure, opt for all-purpose flour for consistent results.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.
Milk: Creates creamy base, select whole milk for richest consistency.
For Flavor and Richness:
Eggs: Adds richness and helps thicken pudding, use fresh room-temperature eggs for smooth incorporation.
Vanilla Extract: Delivers deep aromatic flavor, choose pure vanilla for authentic taste.
For Layering and Texture:
Vanilla Wafers: Provides delightful crunch and traditional southern dessert texture, select crisp, fresh wafers.
Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and creamy texture, choose ripe but firm bananas without brown spots.
Equipment Guide for Banana Pudding Success
Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the pudding mixture smoothly.
Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients and preventing lumps.
Small bowl: Needed for tempering eggs safely.
8-inch square pan: Ideal for layering and assembling the pudding.
Plastic wrap: Crucial for covering and chilling the dessert.
Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
Cutting board: Used for slicing bananas neatly.
Sharp knife: Required for precise banana slicing.
Classic Banana Pudding Instructions
Southern Comfort Banana Dream
Pudding Base A creamy foundation that starts with blending sugar, flour, and milk in a saucepan, gently warming until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth texture.
Egg Fusion Carefully introduce beaten eggs into the warm mixture, stirring with precision to create a luxurious custard without any scrambled surprises.
Flavor Infusion Stir in a splash of vanilla, allowing the pudding to cool while keeping it velvety and preventing any unwanted skin from forming.
Layered Delight Create a beautiful landscape of crunchy vanilla wafers, ripe banana slices, and the luscious pudding, building delicious layers that promise pure southern comfort.
Chill Time Tuck the dessert into the refrigerator, letting the flavors mingle and develop overnight, transforming simple ingredients into a magical culinary experience.
Final Touch Sprinkle crushed wafers on top just before serving, adding a delightful crunch that brings the whole dessert to life with texture and nostalgia.
Extra Tricks for Banana Pudding Perfection
Choose bananas with just a few brown spots for maximum sweetness and creamy texture. Overripe bananas work wonderfully for deeper flavor.
Experiment with different cookie bases like graham crackers or shortbread instead of vanilla wafers. Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the pudding for an adult-friendly version.
Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth consistency. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any potential egg bits for ultimate creaminess.
Top the pudding with toasted coconut flakes, crumbled pecans, or a light drizzle of caramel sauce before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
Prepare the pudding up to two days in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and meld together, creating an even more delicious dessert.
Serving Up Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
Dessert Companion Delights: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luxurious extra layer of sweetness beside the banana pudding.
Topping Party Paradise: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the smooth pudding texture.
Beverage Harmony: Pair the pudding with a warm cup of coffee or cold glass of milk to enhance the dessert's rich, comforting taste and balance the sweetness.
Garnish Elegance: Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon can provide a beautiful visual and aromatic finishing touch to this classic southern dessert.
Banana Pudding: How to Store & Enjoy Later
Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep the banana pudding tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. The dessert stays delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor profile.
Freezing Potential: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently stir before serving to restore the original creamy consistency.
Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store banana slices separately if preparing in advance to prevent browning. Use a splash of lemon juice on sliced bananas to keep them looking bright and fresh during storage.
Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare the pudding base and layer ingredients up to 24 hours before serving. This technique allows flavors to meld together, creating an even more delectable dessert experience that impresses family and friends.
Southern cooks treasure this creamy banana pudding classic born from simple ingredients and nostalgic comfort. Rich vanilla custard layered with ripe bananas and crisp vanilla wafers creates a delightful dessert Southern families cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
4 bananas, sliced
1 box vanilla wafers (about 8 oz / 226 g)
3 eggs
3 cups milk (710 ml)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup sugar (150 g)
¼ cup flour (30 g)
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare Base: Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan, creating a foundational dry mixture for the pudding.
Milk Integration: Gradually whisk milk into the dry ingredients, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency while heating over medium flame.
Thickening Process: Stir continuously as the mixture gently bubbles, simmering for two minutes to achieve a rich, creamy texture.
Egg Tempering: Carefully incorporate a small portion of hot pudding into whisked eggs, gently blending to prevent curdling, then reintegrate the tempered mixture back into the main pudding.
Final Cooking: Return the combined mixture to low heat, bringing to a delicate boil while stirring constantly, then remove and infuse with vanilla extract.
Cooling Technique: Allow pudding to cool for fifteen minutes, stirring periodically to prevent skin formation.
Layering Foundation: In an 8-inch square pan, create alternating layers of vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and the prepared pudding mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Chilling and Setting: Seal the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
Presentation: Before serving, garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and enjoy this classic dessert chilled.
Notes
Prevent Lumpy Pudding: Whisk milk gradually and continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture during preparation.
Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly add hot pudding to eggs, stirring constantly to avoid curdling and maintain a silky consistency.
Control Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-low heat while stirring to prevent scorching and achieve perfect pudding thickness.
Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow ingredients to meld and develop a rich, cohesive taste.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.