This Southern Banana Pudding recipe is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Layered with creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and soft vanilla wafers, it’s a family-favorite recipe thatâs perfect for holidays, cookouts, or anytime you want a comforting homemade treat.
Southern Banana Pudding (Layered with Vanilla Wafers)
A creamy and comforting banana pudding recipe layered with pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers. Perfect for holidays, cookouts, or anytime you want a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Fold in the thawed whipped topping (or whipped cream) until the mixture is light and creamy.
- In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, add a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Top with a layer of banana slices, then spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat the layersâvanilla wafers, bananas, puddingâuntil you reach the top of the dish.
- Finish with a final layer of pudding and garnish with extra wafers or banana slices.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2â4 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
Notes
For best results, assemble the pudding the night before serving.
Use bananas with yellow peels and light brown specklesâthey’re sweetest and won’t turn mushy.
You can substitute whipped cream for Cool Whip if you prefer.
Add an extra crunch by layering crushed vanilla wafers on top just before serving.
Use bananas with yellow peels and light brown specklesâthey’re sweetest and won’t turn mushy.
You can substitute whipped cream for Cool Whip if you prefer.
Add an extra crunch by layering crushed vanilla wafers on top just before serving.
â Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for stovetop pudding)
- Chill Time: 2â4 hours
- Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 8â10
â Ingredients Needed
Custard/Pudding Layer (Stovetop)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Πteaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
Layers
- 1â2 boxes vanilla wafers
- 5â6 ripe bananas (sliced)
Whipped Topping (Homemade)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Or use Cool Whip if preferred.)
â Directions
1. Make the Custard
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat until mixture begins to thicken.
- Temper the eggs:
- Scoop a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten eggs
- Whisk quickly
- Pour back into the saucepan
- Continue cooking until thick, pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Whipped Cream
- Add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a bowl.
- Beat with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Set aside.
3. Assemble the Banana Pudding
In a deep dish or trifle bowl:
- Add a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Add sliced bananas.
- Pour custard on top.
- Repeat layers until dish is full.
- Spread whipped topping over the final layer.
- Crumble a few wafers on top for decoration.
4. Chill
Refrigerate at least 2 hours (4 hours for best texture).
â Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold
- Add caramel drizzle
- Add toasted meringue for a classic look
- Garnish with whole vanilla wafers on top
I remember eating delicious banana pudding!
Itâs definitely a family favorite in my house! Thank you so much for visiting my website. I hope youâll stop by again soon â Iâve got more delicious desserts and recipes on the way!