If you have a soft spot for classic Southern desserts, you’re going to adore this Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe. It perfectly blends creamy, dreamy pudding with fresh banana slices and the nostalgic crunch of vanilla wafers, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Making it from scratch means every ingredient shines, resulting in a luscious texture and balanced sweetness that will impress anyone at your table. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this homemade banana pudding captures tradition and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that velvety texture, rich flavor, and classic look that define an irresistible banana pudding.
- 3 ripe bananas sliced: Use bananas with golden spots for natural sweetness and perfect softness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right without overpowering the bananas.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent to give the pudding that luscious consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and a smooth texture essential for the pudding base.
- 3 large egg yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the pudding naturally.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish and depth of flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic sweetness to every mouthful.
- 1 box (about 8 oz) vanilla wafers: Classic crispy layers that soak up some pudding but still retain a bit of crunch.
- Whipped cream or meringue for topping (optional): Provides a light, airy contrast to the creamy pudding.
How to Make Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pudding base
Start by whisking together the sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan to ensure no lumps and even distribution of flavors. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until you have a silky smooth mixture. This step is key for a smooth pudding without any clumps.
Step 2: Cook until thickened
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously. Watch as the mixture slowly thickens and begins to bubble after about 8 to 10 minutes. Patience here is important because this gradual transformation builds the pudding’s creamy body.
Step 3: Temper the egg yolks
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks, then add a few spoonfuls of the hot pudding mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly. This tempering step keeps the yolks from scrambling and ensures a silky texture.
Step 4: Combine and finish cooking
Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens further and becomes perfectly smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully blended into a rich pudding base.
Step 5: Layer the pudding
In a 2-quart dish, create layers alternating between vanilla wafers, banana slices, and warm pudding. Repeat this layering until all ingredients are used, making sure to end with a final layer of pudding on top. This layering is what gives banana pudding its iconic texture and flavor contrast.
Step 6: Chill to set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a delightful way to elevate your banana pudding visually and texturally. Fresh banana slices on top keep the vibrant banana flavor front and center, while a dollop of whipped cream or a fluffy meringue adds a dreamy finish. For a little crunch, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or toasted nuts.
Side Dishes
This Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe shines as a dessert on its own, but pairing it with light sides like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a refreshing contrast. If you’re enjoying it after a hearty meal, a cup of coffee or tea complements its sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little creative? Serve the pudding layered in individual glasses or mason jars for charming single portions—perfect for parties or gifts. Layering in clear glasses also lets you show off the beautiful stripes of wafers, bananas, and pudding, turning this Southern classic into a visually stunning treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, although it’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve that perfect texture of the pudding and wafer layers.
Freezing
Freezing banana pudding is not recommended since the texture of the bananas and pudding can become watery or grainy upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy this Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is generally not advised. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, but keep in mind it may soften the wafers even more.
FAQs
Can I use banana extract instead of fresh bananas?
While banana extract can add flavor, fresh bananas provide natural sweetness, texture, and moisture that are essential for the authentic experience of banana pudding. For best results, stick to ripe sliced bananas.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives. The texture might be slightly different, but the rich flavor and creaminess will still come through beautifully.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
Choose bananas that are ripe with some brown spots—they are sweeter and softer, making them perfect for a smooth, flavorful pudding that melts in your mouth.
Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
Absolutely! This Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe is ideal for making a day ahead. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
What’s the purpose of tempering the egg yolks?
Tempering the yolks prevents them from cooking too quickly and scrambling when added to the hot pudding mix. This ensures a silky, smooth pudding without lumps or curdling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe—it’s a sweet way to bring a classic Southern dessert to life with your own hands. The creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy wafers come together in perfect harmony, making every spoonful a joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your favorite people—it’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug in dessert form!
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Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Southern American banana pudding is made from scratch using ripe bananas, creamy homemade pudding, and layers of vanilla wafers. It’s a rich, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion, topped optionally with whipped cream or meringue for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Pudding
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Other
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (about 8 oz) vanilla wafers
- Whipped cream or meringue for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add the milk while whisking to create a smooth mixture free of lumps.
- Cook the pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or spoon to prevent burning, until the mixture begins to bubble and thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to raise their temperature without scrambling them.
- Incorporate the eggs: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue cooking over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thick and smooth.
- Finish the pudding: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated, resulting in a rich, creamy texture.
- Assemble the dessert: In a 2-quart dish, start layering by placing a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then a layer of warm pudding. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pudding layer on top.
- Chill the pudding: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Serve: Just before serving, optionally top the pudding with whipped cream or meringue for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor and crunch, briefly toast the vanilla wafers before layering.
- Use very ripe bananas as they add natural sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
- This dessert can be assembled in individual cups for convenient single servings.
