Homemade Banana Pudding is a rich, creamy, delicious Southern tradition that features delicious layers of rich, custard, homemade vanilla pudding, crisp vanilla wafers, and slices of ripe bananas. Homemade Banana Pudding is the perfect menu item for potlucks, picnics, and any family gathering or anytime for that fact; it’s just that darn good.
Can you remember being a child, eating this amazing dessert that mama or Granny would make to take along to every church function, potluck, picnic, or family reunion? I don’t know about Y’all; I don’t remember there ever being a box of instant pudding involved. We have been so busy with the kids, work, and running around we had forgotten how easy and delicious it is to have a tasty old-fashioned dessert made from scratch.
Banana Pudding is usually associated with the Southern states for some reason, yet it is made throughout the United States for several years. One of the earliest recipes noted of Banana Pudding was in “The Kentucky Receipt Book,” by Mary Harris Frazer in 1903. Her method does not include vanilla wafers…
Recipe by Mary Harris Frazer in 1903, “Take 1/2 dozen bananas, peel and cut in pieces, an inch thick, put in baking dish and pour over custard made in the following way: custard one pint of milk, three eggs, beat the yolks light, add milk, also two tablespoons of granulated sugar. Have the milk boiling, add the eggs and let it cook until it thickens; when cool, pour over the bananas. Make a meringue with whites of the eggs and granulated sugar, put on top of the custard, set in the oven a few minutes to brown. Serve at once.”-Mary Harris Frazer, 1903.
Did Y’all notice her recipe for Banana Pudding does not include any flour or cornstarch? I almost want to try it out to see if it all works out in the end, or this is a misprint. What do you think? Let me know in the comments f you have made yours without flour or cornstarch. I love to hear my reader’s point of view or ideas.
So my next question for Y’all, do you like your Banana Pudding with a Homemade meringue or homemade Whipped Cream? I am the oddball of the group probably, I don’t want anything on mine and will scrape it off if it is added. However, you can feel free to add either-or, and it still is considered traditional here in the south, feel free to add what you enjoy!
Ingredients needed for Homemade Banana Pudding
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2/3 cup of sugar
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Four tablespoons of cornstarch
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1/4 of a teaspoon of tables salt
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Four cups of whole milk
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Four large egg yolks, slightly beaten
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Three tablespoons unsalted butter
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Three teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
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One package of vanilla wafers
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Four ripe bananas
- 2/3 cup Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon Table salt
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 4 Large egg yolks slightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
- 1 package Vanilla wafers
- 4-5 Ripe bananas Sliced
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In 3-quart saucepan, mix granulated sugar, cornstarch, and table salt. Gradually stir in the milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir about 1-minute.
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Gradually stir at least half of the hot mixture into egg yolks, then stir back into hot mixture in saucepan. Boil and stir about 1 minute; remove from the heat. Stir in unsalted butter and the pure vanilla.
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Pour the pudding into a large heatproof bowl. Cover the vanilla pudding and refrigerate about 1 hour or until chilled. Store covered in the refrigerator till needed.
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Spread a thin layer of some vanilla pudding in a large casserole dish or if desired in separate dessert glasses.
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Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on top of the homemade vanilla pudding.
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Thinly slice the bananas into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, and arrange a layer of banana slices over the wafers.
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Spread one-third of the remaining pudding over the bananas and continue layering the vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and homemade vanilla pudding,
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If desired top with homemade meringue or homemade whipped cream.
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Refrigerate until ready for use or serve immediately.
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This Southern style homemade banana pudding looks really mouthwatering! I really love that vanilla pudding and and crisp vanilla wafer. I can’t wait to make this for my son.
Thank you Maggie, it’s really simple and so yummy. I bet your son loves it!
Your banana pudding was amazing! I need to get my hands on some more vanilla wafers and I am going to make this again!
Oh yes!!! This Banana pudding was wonderful!! My family loved it and I cannot wait to make it again!
I have never tried banana pudding before, let alone homemade pudding. This sounds so good!! Pinned for later 🙂
I love banana pudding, but I’ve never tried making it from scratch. This turned out great. I will be making it again.
I love banana pudding, but I’ve only made it with instant pudding – sorry. I’ll have to try the real way 🙂 I definitely prefer whipped cream. I didn’t even know meringue was a thing with banana pudding. Obviously, I’m not a Southerner.
This looks absolutely amazing and I need it in my life, Heidy!
LOL, Neli, you just made my day.
Love how much better homemade is than store bought!
I love banana pudding! Looks so delicious and perfect for brunch ♥
You know I have never thought about having it for Brunch–Great idea!!! I love it, Natalie!!!
Banana pudding is always the best dessert. I am not from the South but I grew up eating banana pudding at home and love it!
Yes! Banana pudding is everywhere! The stuff is so delish that we just can’t help but claiming it here in the South lol!! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!!!
What a great treat that is not only healthy, but sweet too! Looks scrumptious!
Thank you, Ms. Sara! Glad you liked the Banana pudding. My kids love this recipe too and it goes quickly when they are home lol
I looooooooooove bananas. Like an insane amount. I’ve not tried my southern style food so will be excited to give this a try!
Oh me too bananas have to be one of my all-time favorite fruits— So sweet and delicious
I remember vanilla wafers and banana from way way back. What a great combination of flavors you’ve got in this pudding!
Thank you, Ginny, you can’t go wrong with a class flavor combo.
Your pudding looks beautiful. Such a classic recipe – it will never get old!
Aww, Thank you, Alyssa. I love it—it’s not the greatest thing if you are dieting but every so often you have to give into an iconic treat.
This looks like a tasty and comforting treat or dessert!
Thank you, Ben, Glad you stopped by and enjoyed the dessert. Have a great day.
Yum! This is just like my grandmother made it!
Hey there KC, now that is a compliment I will take—brought a big grin to my face.