Name: Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 cups whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large egg yolks; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers; Optional whipped cream or meringue for topping

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If there’s a dessert that brings people together and instantly teleports you to childhood, it’s Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding. Layers of dreamy vanilla pudding, tender banana slices, and nostalgic vanilla wafers combine in each bite, all crowned with a cloud of whipped cream or marshmallowy meringue. It’s the kind of Southern comfort that takes barely any effort but tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen—smooth, creamy, and loaded with simple charm.

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is probably already in your kitchen, and each ingredient serves a crucial role. The magic comes from combining humble basics that bring out the best in each other, creating unbeatable flavor, perfect creamy texture, and that signature golden hue.

Whole milk: Delivers a creamy, rich base for the pudding that’s neither too heavy nor too light.
Granulated sugar: Brings the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the bananas and vanilla wafers.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the pudding without making it dense – for that ideal, spoonable consistency.
Salt: Just a pinch brings depth and livens up all the sweet and creamy elements.
Egg yolks: These make the pudding silky and luscious, and add a lovely buttery yellow color.
Vanilla extract: The finishing touch for classic, comforting flavor no banana pudding can be without.
Unsalted butter: For richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Ripe bananas: Choose yellow bananas with a few brown spots for the perfect balance of firmness and sweetness.
Vanilla wafers: These soak up the pudding and turn into pillowy-soft bites that make every scoop nostalgic.
Whipped cream or meringue (optional): A fancy flourish that takes this dish over the top, and looks gorgeous for serving.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

Start by combining sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan. This is the backbone of your pudding, and giving it a quick whisk before adding the milk ensures there are no lumps. Gradually add the milk, whisking as you go, then bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Don’t walk away! Stir constantly, and after about 8 to 10 minutes, the mixture will bubble and thicken beautifully—you’ll see it coat the back of the spoon.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly. Take about a half cup of the hot pudding mixture and slowly drizzle it into the yolks, whisking the whole time. This step warms them up gently so they don’t scramble when added to the hot saucepan. Once tempered, pour the warmed yolk mixture back into the pan and stir for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the pudding is extra smooth and thick.

Step 3: Finish the Pudding

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The butter gives everything a soft gloss and melds the flavors together, while the vanilla brings out that classic pudding taste you crave in Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding. Let the mixture cool just a couple of minutes so it’s warm but not boiling hot for layering.

Step 4: Layer the Pudding

Grab your favorite 2-quart glass dish or trifle bowl—it’s time for the fun part. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom, then a single layer of banana slices, then pour over enough warm pudding to cover. Repeat the layers until all your ingredients are used, finishing with a silky top layer of pudding.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Let the assembled pudding cool at room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge for at least four hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to mingle and the vanilla wafers to soften into tender cake-like bites that make Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding absolutely irresistible. Don’t rush—it’s worth the wait!

Step 6: Add Your Topping

Right before serving, add a generous cloud of whipped cream or a glossy sweep of meringue if you’re feeling fancy. This final flourish brings a touch of elegance and a little extra sweetness to every serving.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Garnishes

Finish your Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding with a flourish of whipped cream, toasted meringue, or even a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top. A few thin banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon can make it look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pudding truly shines on its own, but if you’re serving it at a gathering or BBQ, pair it with light fruit salad or a simple minty iced tea. The fresh flavors will balance the creamy richness and make your dessert table sing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, assemble your Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding in individual mason jars or parfait glasses—perfect for parties and picnics. You can also try layering everything in a big trifle bowl for that show-stopping Southern look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for about 2 to 3 days—after that, the bananas might start to brown, but the flavor will still be amazing.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding; the texture of the bananas and the pudding can become watery and mushy once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you prefer it gently warmed, scoop out a serving and microwave for 15-20 seconds for a cozy, custardy treat—but keep the whipped cream or meringue topping off until after reheating.

FAQs

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

You can substitute lower-fat or non-dairy milk, but full-fat milk brings the classic richness that makes Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding so special. Non-dairy versions like almond or oat milk work, but the pudding might be a bit less creamy.

Why did my pudding turn out lumpy?

Whisking constantly while adding the milk and tempering the eggs is crucial. If lumps appear, you can quickly smooth things out with an immersion blender or by pressing the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve.

Can I use store-bought pudding mix instead of making it from scratch?

While boxed pudding works in a pinch, you’ll miss out on the custardy flavor and smoothness you get from homemade. The extra few minutes it takes to make pudding from scratch are absolutely worth it for authentic Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

Layering bananas with the still-warm pudding helps slow down oxidation. If you want extra insurance, lightly brush banana slices with lemon juice before layering, but don’t overdo it to avoid a tart flavor.

Can I make this pudding the day before serving?

Absolutely! In fact, Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is often better when made a day ahead, as the flavors meld and the wafers soften to perfection. Just keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to add the topping and serve.

Final Thoughts

Bring a little Southern sunshine to your table with Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding—it’s pure comfort, pure nostalgia, and guaranteed to make any meal memorable. Gather a few simple ingredients, let the pudding chill, and get ready for rave reviews around your table. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy spoonful!

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding. Layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers create a classic Southern dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding:

3 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Additional:

4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
Optional whipped cream or meringue for topping

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 8–10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour in about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture while whisking to temper the eggs. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
In a 2-quart dish or trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and warm pudding. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
Top with whipped cream or meringue before serving, if desired.