The cola wars have nothing on this heated debate.
Courtesy Built on Hospitality
Pumpkin spice may be hitting the shelves, but Birmingham is boiling.
Or a “vegetable side” if youre at the right meat-and-three.
Credit:Courtesy Built on Hospitality
banana pudding you say.
Its the dish that makes Southerners short-circuit and question their entire reality.
Like theclassic cold staple, youll find variations of baked banana pudding all across the South.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
In Birmingham, Nikis West (anabsolute mustwhen youre in town) has it casserole style on the buffet.
Chef Rob McDaniels Helen (one of ourfavorite restaurantsin the 205) has it all fancy with pecan sandies.
And its not just Alabama.
Youll find it in old family recipe books from the Carolinas, the Delta, and beyond.
My mother-in-law in East Tennessee grew up only ever knowing warm banana pudding.
However, for some, the idea of anything other than perfectly chilled banana pudding is an absolute abomination.
But how do you know unless you try it?
If thats all youve ever had, bless your heart, honey!
So, WhatIsHot Banana Pudding?
The baking is referencing the toasted meringue.
So, theres really no difference in the base recipe.
And What Makes Hot Banana Pudding Superior?
People tend to complain when its not on the menu somewhere in the portfolio.
She specializes in plated desserts and nostalgic baked goods and is proudly, passionately Team Hot.
I grew up eating hot banana pudding, she said.
My mom would bake it in a CorningWare dish and put it under the broiler to toast the meringue.
The textures and flavors of the crispy and soft meringue go best with the warm, silky pudding.
I think warm banana pudding should be enjoyed year-round!
It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, no matter the season."
Rankin said the best guest reaction to warm banana pudding is delight.
I’ve seen some very wide, excited eyes after taking that first bite, she said.
Southerners are just passionate in general, but especially about nostalgic desserts, she said.
The textures and flavors of a warm banana pudding are truly unparalleled in my opinion, said Rankin.
I wish I was eating one right now!
I’m very particular about my desserts not being cloyingly sweet, she said.
Cream cheese is honestly one of my most cherished ingredients when I’m baking.
Theres a reason a mug of hot cocoa tastes meh when it gets cold.
Its just not the same.
And thats why I wish hot banana pudding wasnt pitted against cold banana pudding.
Baked banana pudding is a delicious, warm hug that shouldnt be scoffed atespecially if youve never tried it.
Now, dear reader, to be clear, Im Team Cold.
But I also love hot banana pudding.
And I believe in the very Southern idea ofsides.
Anything can be a side if you just believe.
After all, theres an echelon of desserts we’ve all convinced ourselves are sides.
Im looking at you, Sweet Potato Casserole.
There is more sugar in a serving of this Thanksgiving staple than most cakes.
Its the same logic that says ambrosia is a salad.
And I love it.
So, I propose a motion.
Lets rebrand hot banana pudding and baked banana pudding and warm banana pudding to just Banana Casserole.
You heard me: Banana Casserole.
Banana Casserole is a side.
Cold banana pudding is a dessert.
And this way well get pudding twice in one meal.
Thats a deal we can all agree on.
