Think the store-bought stuff stands a chance against homemade banana pudding?
One bite and you’ll be singing a different tune.
Step away from the packaged stuff; it’s time to whip up an old-fashioned banana pudding from scratch.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Smooth, creamy, and oh-so-decadent, there are few better ways to finish any meal.
“Some like it warm.
“The hardest part is waiting for it to fully chill.”
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The special ingredient that helps homemade banana pudding stand out from store-bought varieties?
This extra step elevates the simple dessert to Grandmother’s sideboard status.
Bring this recipe to one family gathering, and we think you’ll agree.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
What Are the Components of Real Banana Pudding?
What Are the Ingredients to Make Banana Pudding?
Making a banana pudding combines many ingredients you likely already have at home.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
You will need to have more unique ingredients on hand: vanilla wafers and bananas.
double-check thebananas are ripebefore starting this project.
How Do You Make Banana Pudding?
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Start the Pudding
Take four eggs and separate the whites and yolks.
Reserve the whites for the meringue later but keep the yolks close to create the pudding.
Whisk the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt together until well blended.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Add the milk, four egg yolks, and sugar mixture in a medium-sized saucepan until well combined.
Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring for up to 8 minutes or until thickened.
Repeat this process with the remaining vanilla wafers, slices of banana, and pudding.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Using a low-medium speed, whisking could take up to 5 minutes.
That pillowy topper is worth it!
Finish the pudding and bake
Spread the meringue completely on top of the pudding.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Place the banana pudding in the oven until the meringue topping is golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
Allow this to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Do I Need to Bake the Banana Pudding?
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Leaving the top untoasted is also a delicious option.
What Is the Best Way to Serve Banana Pudding?
This dessert is up to personal preference and can be served warm or cool.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If possible, use whole milk for this recipe for the best results.
slices
3Tbsp.sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F.
Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a small bowl.
Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Whisk together sugar mixture, milk, and 4 egg yolks in a medium-size heavy saucepan until well blended.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
Layer half of vanilla wafers in an 8-inch square baking dish.
Top with half of banana slices and half of pudding.
Repeat procedure with remaining wafers, banana slices, and pudding.
Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy.
Gradually add 3 Tbsp.
sugar, beating until sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
Spread meringue over pudding, sealing to edge of dish.
Bake at 375F for 7 to 9 minutes or until golden.
Let cool 30 minutes, and serve warm; or chill an additional hour, and serve cold.
Tips
This pudding gets thicker as it cools.
When it’s warm, it may be a bit looser.
