The Ultimate Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding: A Scratch-Made Classic

Forget those shortcut versions! This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding recipe is the real deal, made entirely from scratch and guaranteed to transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. It’s a beloved classic for a reason, combining layers of tender vanilla wafers, sweet, ripe bananas, and a rich, homemade vanilla pudding, all topped with a delicate, golden meringue. It’s comfort food at its finest and consistently one of our most popular recipes.

If you adore the timeless taste of banana pudding, be sure to check out our Banana Pudding Cookies – they transform this classic dessert into a delightful, bite-sized treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

In a world of instant gratification, there’s something truly special about a dessert made with care and quality ingredients. While instant pudding has its place, we firmly believe that crafting banana pudding from scratch is the only way to achieve that unparalleled depth of flavor and creamy texture that defines this old-fashioned favorite. This recipe isn’t just about dessert; it’s about nostalgia, echoing the homemade goodness that generations before us cherished. Passed down through our family, this recipe disappears quickly whenever it’s made – a testament to its irresistible appeal. The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients – vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, a velvety vanilla pudding, and a light, sweet meringue – creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will evoke cherished memories and create new ones.

This is the kind of classic dessert “Grandmother” used to make, and if you haven’t experienced the magic of true homemade banana pudding, it’s time to change that.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delightful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need for this classic Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding:

• Vanilla Wafers: The essential base! We recommend using a classic brand for that authentic flavor and texture.
• Bananas: Choose ripe but not overly ripe bananas. Look for peels that are yellow with perhaps a few small brown spots, but avoid those that are mostly brown, as they can become too soft and mushy in the pudding.
• Sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness to both the pudding and the meringue.
• Milk: You’ll need a combination of Regular Milk (or 2%) and Evaporated Milk for the creamiest, most flavorful homemade vanilla pudding.
• Egg Yolks: Crucial for thickening the pudding and adding richness.
• Egg Whites: The star of the light and airy meringue topping.
• Vanilla Flavoring: Enhances the sweet, classic taste of both the pudding and the meringue.
• Lemon Juice (Optional but Recommended): A small amount to lightly sprinkle on the banana slices helps prevent them from browning too quickly.

Swaps: While we champion the traditional method for this old-fashioned pudding, we understand you might have questions about substitutions. In our experience, sticking to the classic ingredients yields the best results. While some may opt for different types of cookies or instant pudding, for that true homemade taste and texture, this recipe is the way to go.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this classic dessert is a labor of love that’s well worth the effort. Follow these steps for perfect Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding:

Preparations:

1. Organize and measure out all of your ingredients before you begin. This makes the assembly process much smoother.
2. Slice your bananas into evenly sized rounds.

Assembly:

Step 1: Layer the Base

In a medium bowl, gently slice the bananas. If you choose to use it, sprinkle the banana slices with a little lemon juice to help maintain their color. Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish. If desired, stand some wafers around the sides of the dish for a decorative touch. Layer the sliced bananas over the vanilla wafers.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Pudding

In a medium saucepan on the stovetop, whisk together the sugar, salt, flour, egg yolks, regular milk, and evaporated milk until well combined and smooth. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously with a whisk. This is crucial to prevent burning. Continue stirring for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until the pudding thickens significantly.

Step 3: Finish the Pudding Layer

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla flavoring. Immediately pour the hot vanilla pudding evenly over the layers of vanilla wafers and bananas in the casserole dish.

Step 4: Create the Meringue Topping

In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla flavoring to the egg whites while continuing to beat on high until the meringue is glossy and holds firm peaks.

Step 5: Top and Brown

Carefully spread the prepared meringue over the hot pudding, making sure to seal the meringue to the edges of the dish to prevent shrinking. Bake the pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until the meringue is beautifully browned. Alternatively, you can brown the meringue quickly under a broiler – watch it very carefully to avoid burning!

You Must Know

• Stirring is Key: When cooking the homemade vanilla pudding, continuous stirring is essential to prevent scorching the bottom of the saucepan.
• Banana Ripeness: Using bananas that are ripe but not overly soft is important for the best texture in the finished pudding.
• Sealing the Meringue: Ensure the meringue touches the edges of the dish to prevent it from pulling away and shrinking during baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding is best enjoyed after it has had a chance to cool and for the flavors to meld.

• Making Ahead: You can prepare the pudding and layer it with the wafers and bananas a few hours in advance. Add the meringue and bake just before serving for the freshest topping. The pudding needs time to chill for the best texture.
• Storage: Cover any leftover banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for 2-3 days. The bananas will naturally start to brown over time, even with the lemon juice.

Seasonal Variations

While classic banana pudding is a year-round favorite, you can adapt it slightly for different seasons:

• Summer: Serve chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day. Consider adding a layer of fresh berries along with the bananas for a patriotic twist for holidays like the Fourth of July.
• Fall/Winter: A sprinkle of nutmeg or a touch of cinnamon in the pudding can add a warming spice element perfect for cooler weather or holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Serving Suggestions

Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding is a versatile dessert that complements almost any meal. It’s a perfect ending to a Southern-style dinner, a welcome addition to a summer potluck or BBQ, and a comforting presence on holiday dessert tables for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Serve it slightly warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

No-Bake Alternative

While the meringue topping is traditional to this old-fashioned recipe, if your family doesn’t prefer meringue or you’re looking for a quicker option, you can easily make a no-bake version of this pudding base. Simply prepare the homemade vanilla pudding as directed, layer it with the vanilla wafers and bananas in your dish, and instead of adding meringue, top it with whipped cream or a whipped topping like Cool Whip before chilling. This offers a delicious, albeit different, take on the classic.

Pro Tips

• Room Temperature Eggs: For the best meringue, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. This helps them achieve greater volume.
• Clean Equipment: Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease when making the meringue, as even a small amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
• Gradually Add Sugar to Meringue: Adding the sugar slowly to the egg whites while beating helps create a stable and glossy meringue.
• Watch the Meringue: If using the broiler to brown the meringue, stay with it and watch constantly as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the bananas turn brown in the pudding? Yes, the bananas will naturally start to brown over time due to oxidation, even with the addition of lemon juice. The lemon juice helps slow down this process, but typically the bananas will begin to show browning after a day or two. The pudding is still delicious even if the bananas have browned slightly.

My family doesn’t like meringue, can I use something else? Absolutely! While meringue is traditional for an old-fashioned recipe, you can easily substitute it with whipped cream or a whipped topping like Cool Whip. Simply spread it over the layered pudding before chilling.

Can I make individual servings? Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for individual servings. Layer the vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding in individual glasses or ramekins before topping with meringue or whipped cream and chilling or baking (if using meringue).

This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding recipe is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Give it a try and experience the delicious difference that making it from scratch makes!

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