Southern Banana Pudding Creamy, nostalgic, and made the way it’s been done for generations. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe with all the little tips that make it perfect.

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Southern Banana Pudding (Classic & Homemade)

Servings

8–10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2–4 hours (or overnight)

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Ingredients

Pudding

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 4 large egg yolks

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Layers

• 1 box vanilla wafers

• 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

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Optional Topping (Traditional Southern Meringue)

• 4 large egg whites

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)

(You can also skip meringue and top with whipped cream)

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Step-by-Step Directions

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STEP 1: Make the Pudding

1. Mix dry ingredients
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.

2. Add eggs and milk
   Whisk in egg yolks and milk until smooth.

3. Cook pudding
   Place saucepan over medium heat.
   Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling (about 8–10 minutes).

4. Finish pudding
   Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.

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STEP 2: Layer the Pudding

1. First layer
   In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers across the bottom.

2. Add bananas
   Top wafers with a layer of banana slices.

3. Add pudding
   Pour one-third of the warm pudding over bananas.

4. Repeat layers
   Repeat layers (wafers → bananas → pudding) until pudding is used.
   Finish with pudding on top.

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STEP 3: Make the Meringue (Optional but Classic)

1. Beat egg whites
   Beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.

2. Add sugar
   Gradually add sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

3. Spread meringue
   Spread meringue over hot pudding, sealing to the edges of the dish.

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STEP 4: Bake the Meringue (If Using)

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake
   Bake for 10–12 minutes, until meringue is lightly golden.

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STEP 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cool
   Let pudding cool on the counter for 30 minutes.

2. Chill
   Refrigerate 2–4 hours or overnight for best texture.

3. Serve
   Serve chilled and creamy.

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Tips for True Southern Flavor

• Use warm pudding when layering — it softens the wafers perfectly

• Seal meringue to edges to prevent weeping

• Slightly green-yellow bananas hold up better than overripe

• Overnight chill = best flavor

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Easy Variations

• Shortcut version: Use instant vanilla pudding + sweetened condensed milk

• No-bake: Skip meringue and use whipped cream

• Extra rich: Replace ½ cup milk with heavy cream

• Individual cups: Perfect for parties