Classic Southern Banana Pudding
Southern banana pudding layers vanilla wafer cookies, sliced ripe bananas, and homemade vanilla custard, then gets topped with whipped cream or meringue. Letting it chill for several hours allows the wafers to soften and the layers to meld together. The whole dessert takes about 40 minutes to prepare before refrigerating.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Serving dish
Ingredients
For the Custard Base:
- 3 cups whole milk preferably organic
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large egg yolks preferably cage-free
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 4 medium ripe bananas sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers about 12 ounces
- 2 cups whipping cream chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, granulated sugar, and flour. Place over medium heat and warm until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper. Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring not to boil.
- Finalize the Custard: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold this into the cooled custard for an indulgent texture.
- Assemble the Pudding: In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the custard. Repeat layers, finishing with a final dollop of custard.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to overnight. Serve chilled and enjoy the mingling flavors at their best.
Notes
Tammy’s Tips:
- To elevate the flavor, try adding a splash of dark rum to the custard for a Caribbean twist, or sprinkle cinnamon on the whipped cream for a warm spice note.
- If you're avoiding gluten, use gluten-free vanilla wafers without compromising the texture.
- For quicker caramelization of the bananas, sauté slices in a bit of butter and brown sugar before layering.
Nutrition
Calories: 465kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 57mgPotassium: 423mgFiber: 2gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 1271IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 168mgIron: 1mg
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