Classic Southern Banana Pudding Delight

Dive into the best banana pudding recipe! This classic Southern treat layers creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers. Perfect for any gathering!

May 18, 2025
By Sandra.

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look into Into a Classic Southern Treat: Banana Pudding Recipe

Oh my gosh, have you ever had a banana pudding recipe that just hits the spot? trust me, there’s something utterly satisfying about this creamy dessert.

It brings together sweet ripe bananas, rich vanilla pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers. really, what’s not to love? it’s got this blend of flavors that warms your heart and feels like home.

Banana pudding has deep roots in southern culture. it's a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and potlucks. people talk about it like it’s a family jewel! this recipe is super easy to whip up in just about 45 minutes (and that includes chilling time, folks).

It's perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a simple yet impressive dessert. you’ll get around 8 servings , so there’s plenty to share—or not!

One of the best parts? this dessert is downright comforting. it’s packed with potassium from the bananas and can easily be a deviation from more decadent desserts.

Ideal for summer picnics or even a cozy night in, this banana pudding is one of those dishes that always gets compliments.

Honestly, what makes this the best banana pudding recipe is how each spoonful brings that nostalgic vibe. remember those good ol’ summer days? yup, that's what this is all about!

Now, if you want to impress your friends with an indulgent dessert, this one checks all the boxes! it combines texture and taste like no other.

The crunch of the wafers paired with the silky smooth pudding and sweet bananas creates a delightful combination. oh, and don’t even get me started on adding a dollop of whipped cream on top—sheer bliss!

So, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a bbq, or just trying to enjoy a lovely weekend at home, make sure to whip up this banana pudding.

Seriously, it’s one of those banana dessert recipes you won’t regret. now, let’s get into the delightful ingredients that make this best-ever banana pudding a reality!

Classic Southern Banana Pudding Delight Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers (12 oz)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

• In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat while whisking until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and beaten eggs until well combined.
• Pour the pudding mixture into a mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Begin by adding a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of the serving dish. Spread a layer of pudding over the wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas.
• Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
• If desired, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form and spread over the top layer of pudding using a spatula.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:300

Protein:4g

Fat:10g

Carbs:49g

Fiber:1g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:Southern

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Banana Pudding Recipe

Alrighty, friends, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what you’ll need for that Classic Southern Banana Pudding Delight . Here’s all the ingredients and tools that’ll help you whip up the best banana pudding ever—no fancy-schmancy stuff, just good old comfort food!

Main Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk – Go for the full-fat goodness for that rich flavor!
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar – Sweet, but not too sweet.
• 1/3 cup (40 g) cornstarch – This is what thickens things up.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance it all out.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Don’t skimp on the good stuff. Fake vanilla? No thanks!
• 3 large eggs, beaten – Makes the pudding creamy and lush.

For the Assembly:

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced – Use bananas that are golden yellow but not too spotty; trust me on this one.
• 1 box (12 oz/340 g) vanilla wafers – The classic base, crunchy and sweet.
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream (optional) – For that dreamy topping!

Seasoning Notes

Now, we’re talking flavor! Here are some essentials to amp up your banana dessert :

• Core flavors: Sweeten with sugar and accentuate with vanilla.
• Flavor enhancers: A splash of lemon juice on bananas stops that pesky browning.
• Quick substitutions: Out of cornstarch? Try flour, but use a bit more since it’s not as strong!

Equipment Needed

Okay, here’s the gear you need:

• Medium saucepan – For making that creamy pudding.
• Whisk – For combining everything smoothly.
• Mixing bowl – You’ll need it for the pudding chilling session.
• 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) serving dish – Perfect size for this dessert.
• Rubber spatula – Great for scooping up every last bit of pudding.
• Electric mixer (if using cream) – Make that whipped topping as fluffy as a cloud!

And if you don’t have an electric mixer, grab a whisk and some elbow grease! It'll work just fine.

So there you have it! with these ingredients and equipment prepped, you’re all set to create a banana pudding that’ll make waves at your next gathering.

Honestly, who doesn’t love a classic dessert that brings back sweet memories? you’ll be the star of the show with your best ever banana pudding .

Now, let’s get to cooking, shall we?

Cooking Method for Classic Southern Banana Pudding Delight

Making the Best Banana Pudding ? Let’s dive into this classic recipe, where sweet nostalgia meets creamy goodness. Trust me, it’s super easy—and I’ll guide you through every step to make sure it’s a hit at your next family gathering!

Prep Steps

First things first: mise en place . gather all your ingredients—2 cups of whole milk, ripe bananas, and all that jazz.

This makes the process smoother, and we all need a little less chaos in the kitchen, right?

Now, as you prep, i can't stress enough the importance of a clean workspace. keep those surfaces clear! this isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about safety .

A tidy kitchen means fewer accidents.

Oh, and here’s a little tip: slice those bananas right before using them. This helps avoid that pesky browning. You don’t want your banana pudding recipe looking less than appetizing!

Step-by-Step Process

Alright, here we go—let’s break it down:

1. Make the pudding base : in a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups of milk , 1/2 cup sugar , 1/3 cup cornstarch , and a pinch of salt .

   Cook over medium heat, stirring until it thickens and bubbles ( about 10 minutes ). trust me, you'll know it's ready when it’s super creamy.

2. Cool it down : once thickened, remove from heat, mix in 1 tsp vanilla and those 3 beaten eggs . pour this glorious mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

   Chill for about 30 minutes . patience is key!

3. Layer it up : grab a 9x9-inch dish for assembly. layer in your vanilla wafers , then add your pudding, followed by those sliced bananas.

   Repeat until you run out of goodies, finishing with pudding on top.

4. Whip It Up : If you’re feeling fancy, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form and spread it on top. Bam! You just elevated your dessert game.

5. Chill and serve : cover with plastic wrap and let it chill for at least 30 minutes —overnight is best for those flavors to get cozy.

   Serve it up, and watch folks smile like it’s thanksgiving!

Pro Tips

Let me drop some quick wisdom:

• Use just-ripe bananas . You want that perfect flavor without mushiness.
• If you forget about chilling it overnight, it’s okay! Just chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• And a super fun tweak? Try chocolate wafers instead for a chocolate twist!

Avoid common mistakes like overcooking the pudding or using unripe bananas. Oh, and don’t skip the chilling step! Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

So there you have it! this classic southern banana pudding delight isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor.

Enjoy bringing this nostalgic dessert to your next family get-together. you’ll definitely earn major kitchen cred!

Recipe Notes for Classic Southern Banana Pudding Delight

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this best ever banana pudding , you want it to look as good as it tastes! personally, i love to layer it in a clear glass dish.

That way, everyone can see those beautiful layers of creamy pudding, crunchy vanilla wafers, and golden banana slices.

And let’s not forget about sides! a scoop of fresh berries adds a nice pop of color and tartness to balance the sweetness of this banana dessert .

You could even sip on some sweet tea or a creamy latte alongside it. if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? yes, please!

Storage Tips

Alright, so this dessert is meant to be enjoyed, but if you somehow have leftovers, here’s the scoop. store your banana pudding recipe in the fridge, covered, and it'll stay fresh for about 3 days.

Just keep an eye on those banana slices. they start to brown after a day or so.

For longer storage, you can freeze it—though i recommend holding off on freezing if you can. the texture might not hold up super well.

When you’re ready to dig in, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and it’ll be ready to devour!

Variations

Feel free to get creative! for a chocolate twist, try adding a spoonful of cocoa powder to your pudding base.

Instant chocolate banana pudding? yes, please! and if you're going dairy-free, coconut or almond milk works great in this banana pudding recipe .

Just swap out the dairy milk, and you’re golden.

Nutrition Basics

Now, for the nitty-gritty. this classic southern banana pudding is about 300 calories per serving. it packs in some protein and a bit of healthy fats from the heavy cream if you choose to top it.

Bananas are full of potassium and fiber, making this banana pudding dessert not just a taste sensation but a little boost for your health too.

Wrap Up

I mean, can you really beat a delicious, nostalgic banana pudding dessert ? it's comforting, easy to make, and sure to impress.

So whip up this classic southern banana pudding delight for your next gathering. trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds—if there’s any left! enjoy those sweet moments with family and friends!