Dreamy layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and golden vanilla wafers—Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a true Southern comfort classic that feels like a warm hug. Every silky spoonful whisks you back to family gatherings, potlucks, or that cozy Sunday treat grandma used to serve. This from-scratch version boasts rich homemade custard, real bananas, and a billowy golden meringue, making it an irresistible dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is crowd-pleasing. If you’re searching for a standout sweet that balances old-fashioned charm and comforting flavors, this recipe is truly a keeper.

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding so special is the way simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something magical. Each element plays a vital role in taste, texture, or color—ensuring your finished dessert is both luxurious and delightfully balanced.

Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup, plus 1/4 cup for meringue): Sweetens the custard and whips beautifully into the airy meringue topping.
All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the pudding base, delivering that signature creamy texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Whole Milk (3 cups): Gives the pudding richness and a smooth, silky foundation—swap a cup for half-and-half for an even creamier treat!
Large Eggs (4, separated): Yolks enrich the pudding; whites whip up into a fluffy, show-stopping meringue.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the custard.
Ripe Bananas (4, large): Sliced and layered for natural sweetness and classic flavor—choose bananas that are ripe, but not over-soft.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies (45–50): Bring crunch, nostalgia, and delightful flavor—plus, they soften beautifully beneath the pudding layers.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, flour, and salt until well-mixed. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Set the pan over medium heat and stir often—a comfy arm workout with a delicious payoff!—until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes. This is the creamy backbone of your Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks

Crack and separate your eggs, placing yolks in a medium bowl. Lightly beat the yolks, then slowly drizzle in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture, whisking the entire time. This gentle tempering keeps your custard silky-smooth—no scrambled eggs here! Pour the warmed yolks back into the saucepan, whisking constantly, and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an instant aroma boost.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Now comes the fun part! In a 2-quart baking dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, then a portion of the warm pudding. Repeat this process twice more, creating three delicious layers. The pudding will gently soak into the wafers, blending flavors and creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth bite Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is famous for.

Step 4: Whip up the Meringue

Using a clean mixing bowl and beaters, whip the reserved egg whites until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks stand tall. This meringue is your crowning glory—pile it on top of the assembled pudding, spreading all the way to the edges to seal in lusciousness. A gentle swoosh with the back of a spoon adds those inviting peaks and valleys.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the meringue is a lovely golden brown—billowy, toasty, and absolutely irresistible. Let the pudding cool slightly for gooey, warm enjoyment, or chill for a few hours if you prefer a cool, set dessert. Either way, the anticipation is half the fun!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, scatter a few extra vanilla wafer crumbs over the golden meringue or top with delicate banana slices just before serving. A tiny sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon can add warmth and a bit of visual flourish, too.

Side Dishes

While Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding can most certainly stand alone, it’s a delightful pairing with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a simple cup of hot coffee or tea. The lightness of the pudding complements brighter, tangy sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of one large dish, try layering your pudding in individual mason jars or parfait cups for a charming, portable dessert. For special occasions, serve in elegant glass trifle bowls—each layer visible and tempting! You can even create bite-sized mini banana pudding shooters for parties. The nostalgia of Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding meets modern-day style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your pudding dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate any leftovers. While Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is best the day it’s made, it can be kept for up to 2 days in the fridge. Be aware that the bananas may darken a bit, but the flavor remains just as dreamy.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for banana pudding—the texture of the custard and bananas can be compromised, and the meringue loses its pillowy charm. If you must freeze, do so without the meringue, but know that Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is always at its best fresh!

Reheating

If you prefer your banana pudding warm, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. Avoid overheating, as the custard and meringue are delicate. You can also let the pudding come to room temperature to take the chill off before serving, which revives the flavors without any risk to texture.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Whole milk yields the creamiest texture, but you can use low-fat milk with slightly less richness. For dairy-free options, unsweetened almond or oat milk can work, though the pudding may be a bit thinner. Avoid coconut milk in this case, as the flavor tends to overpower the classic banana pudding taste.

Why did my meringue weep or collapse?

A weeping meringue usually means either underbeaten egg whites or not enough sugar incorporated. Make sure to beat the whites to stiff peaks and seal the meringue to the edges of the dish before baking. Serving it soon after baking gives you the fluffiest results.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

While bananas naturally darken over time, you can lightly toss the slices in lemon juice before layering to help preserve their color. For the freshest look and flavor, assemble the pudding close to serving time, and always store leftovers covered in the fridge.

Can I make Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a few hours before you plan to serve, letting the flavors meld as it chills. Just remember the bananas may begin to darken after a day, so the dish is at its most beautiful and delicious within the first 24 hours.

What’s the best way to transport this dish for a potluck?

Let the pudding cool completely, cover tightly with foil or a snap-on lid, and keep chilled in a cooler if possible. If possible, wait to add the meringue topping and bake onsite for a fresh, showstopping presentation. Individual mason jars are also easy to tote and serve at gatherings!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding never goes out of style—it’s comfort in every creamy, vanilla-kissed bite. Make this recipe for your next gathering or family night and watch faces light up with joy. Trust me, friends will be requesting this classic over and over again!

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a classic, comforting dessert with this Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding recipe. Layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers topped with a golden meringue create a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large eggs (separated)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Layers:

4 large ripe bananas (sliced)
45–50 vanilla wafer cookies
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for meringue topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the pudding: Whisk sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
Temper the eggs: Beat egg yolks, temper with hot milk mixture, then cook until thickened. Stir in vanilla.
Layer the pudding: In a baking dish, layer wafers, bananas, and pudding three times.
Make the meringue: Beat egg whites, add sugar, and spread over the pudding.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until meringue is golden brown. Serve warm or chilled.