Best 9 Real Down Home Southern Banana Pudding Recipes

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**Discover the Delightful World of Southern Banana Pudding: A Culinary Journey through Sweetness and Tradition**

In the realm of Southern cuisine, there lies a dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of generations: banana pudding. This classic dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, where the sweetness of ripe bananas harmonizes with the richness of creamy custard and the delicate crunch of vanilla wafers. Indulge in a culinary journey through three enticing banana pudding recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved Southern treat.

**I. Classic Southern Banana Pudding: A Timeless Delight**

Embark on a nostalgic adventure with the Classic Southern Banana Pudding recipe. This traditional rendition showcases the essence of this iconic dessert, featuring layers of sliced bananas, homemade vanilla wafers, and a luscious custard filling. Experience the perfect balance of flavors as the creamy custard envelops the soft bananas, while the crisp wafers add a delightful textural contrast.

**II. Chocolate Banana Pudding: A Decadent Indulgence**

For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Banana Pudding recipe is an irresistible temptation. This decadent variation infuses the classic banana pudding with the richness of chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine the velvety chocolate custard embracing the ripe bananas, while the chocolate wafers add an extra layer of indulgence.

**III. Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding: A Modern Twist**

Embrace a modern interpretation of this Southern classic with the Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding recipe. This innovative version swaps out the traditional vanilla wafers for Nilla wafers, adding a touch of playful sweetness to the dessert. The result is a delightful combination of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and the distinct flavor of Nilla wafers, creating a unique and unforgettable taste experience.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING



Southern Banana Pudding image

This is an old Southern recipe, featuring a comforting custard layered with bananas and vanilla wafers, then topped with a meringue. I serve it all year-round...it's a nice ending to most any meal.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
36 vanilla wafers
3 medium ripe bananas, cut into 1/4-inch slices
MERINGUE:
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
3 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and flour. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. , Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of hot milk filling into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; gently stir in butter and vanilla. , In an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish, layer a third of the vanilla wafers, bananas and filling. Repeat layers twice., For meringue, beat egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to sides of dish. Bake until meringue is golden, 12-15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts :

HOMEMADE BANANA PUDDING



Homemade Banana Pudding image

This homemade banana pudding recipe includes making the creamy vanilla pudding from scratch and serving it over Nilla wafers and fresh-cut bananas for the most delicious Southern treat.

Provided by The SouthernPlate Staff

Categories     Dessert

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup sugar (or swerve)
1/3 cup flour
3 egg yolks
2 cups milk
1 box Nilla wafers
5 bananas
1/2 tsp vanilla
dash salt

Steps:

  • Place a layer of Nilla Wafers in the bottom of a medium-sized mixing bowl. Slice a banana over the top. Repeat two more times with another layer of wafers and the remaining bananas.
  • In a saucepot (or double boiler) on medium-low heat, add all ingredients except for the vanilla. Stir well with a wire whisk. Allow to cook, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until thickened - about 15 minutes.
  • Add in vanilla and stir. Immediately pour over wafers and bananas. Let sit for about five minutes or so before serving, to allow wafers time to absorb pudding. Top with meringue, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING



Southern Banana Pudding image

Not-too-sweet vanilla custard gets a blanket of soft toasted meringue in this Southern-style banana pudding. We let the pudding base sit overnight so the cookies soften and the banana flavor infuses the custard, but if you like your cookies crisp, top the pudding with meringue and bake without resting.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 8h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups whole milk
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Kosher salt
4 large eggs, separated, yolks lightly beaten
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 ripe medium bananas (about 1 pound), thinly sliced crosswise (about 2 1/2 cups)
50 vanilla wafers, such as Nilla Wafers (about half a box)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps:

  • Heat 2 1/2 cups of the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
  • Whisk 3/4 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup milk.
  • Whisk half of the hot milk into the egg mixture until smooth, and then gradually whisk the egg-milk mixture into the milk in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture boils. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until it has thickened to a puddinglike consistency, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla.
  • Layer a third of the pudding, half the banana slices and half the vanilla wafers in a 9-inch square baking dish. Layer with half the remaining pudding, all the remaining banana slices and all the remaining wafers. Top with the last of the pudding. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the pudding surface, and refrigerate overnight to soften the cookies.
  • Position a rack in the upper third of the oven, and preheat to 350 degrees F. Bring the egg whites to room temperature. Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium speed until frothy. Increase the speed to medium-high, and slowly sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar a tablespoon at a time, whipping for 15 seconds after each addition, until glossy firm peaks form. Spread the meringue on top of the pudding with an offset spatula so it reaches the edges of the pan. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.

AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING



Authentic Southern Banana Pudding image

Rich and creamy custard over alternating layers of wafer cookies and sliced bananas.

Provided by Natalie Ransford

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Banana Dessert Recipes

Time 43m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla®)
6 bananas, or more as needed
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
dash of salt
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup 2% milk
¾ cup butter
4 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place a layer of wafer cookies on the bottom of a large glass bowl. Top with a layer of banana slices. Alternate layers, reserving 10 wafer cookies to crumble for topping.
  • Mix sugar, flour, and salt together in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in cream, about 1/4 cup at a time. Add milk and butter. Place pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until custard begins to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat.
  • Place egg yolks in a bowl. Whisk a few tablespoons of warm custard mixture into the egg yolks. Add the egg/custard mixture back to the saucepan. Stir over medium heat until custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract. Remove from heat; allow to cool about 20 minutes.
  • Pour mixture slowly over the layers of wafers and bananas. Gently shake bowl so custard seeps to the bottom of the bowl. Crumble the remaining wafer cookies and sprinkle over the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 530.6 calories, Carbohydrate 55.5 g, Cholesterol 154.8 mg, Fat 33.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 18.7 g, Sodium 227 mg, Sugar 26.1 g

SOUTHERN-STYLE BAKED BANANA PUDDING



Southern-Style Baked Banana Pudding image

If you like banana cream pie, you'll absolutely love baked banana pudding. Not only is there no pie crust to mess with, but I think the vanilla wafer cookies pair even more perfectly with the fruit and custardy pudding. We want the bananas to match the texture of the custard-soaked cookies, so make sure you buy them a week beforehand. Other than that, not much can go wrong with this simple Southern classic.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Banana Dessert Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 large eggs
½ cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon banana liqueur
1 tablespoon cold butter
3 very ripe bananas, or more to taste, sliced
1 ½ teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 (12 ounce) package miniature vanilla wafers
⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons white sugar

Steps:

  • Separate eggs, placing the whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and the yolks into a saucepan.
  • Add sugar, salt, and 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour to the yolks. Splash in about 1/4 of the milk and start blending mixture with a whisk. Pour in remaining milk and whisk until smooth.
  • Cook and stir mixture over medium heat until hot to the touch, occasionally dipping your finger in to test. Whisk constantly until custard is thick enough to form ribbons.
  • Remove custard from heat and add vanilla extract, banana liqueur, and cold butter. Whisk until butter dissolves. Set custard aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Toss banana slices with lemon juice.
  • Spread a quarter of the custard over the bottom of a baking dish. Add a single layer of vanilla wafers. Cover with 1/2 of the bananas and spread 1/2 of the remaining custard on top. Add another layer of vanilla wafers, using slightly fewer this time. Top with the remaining bananas and custard. Smooth the top and tap dish against the counter to settle the pudding.
  • Add cream of tartar to the egg whites. Beat using the whisk attachment until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. Spread meringue over the pudding using a soft spatula, creating ridges for contrast.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until meringue is nicely browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 408.3 calories, Carbohydrate 64.4 g, Cholesterol 101.7 mg, Fat 13.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 272.2 mg, Sugar 25 g

OLD-FASHIONED BANANA PUDDING



Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding image

Think the store-bought stuff stands a chance against homemade banana pudding? One bite and you'll be singing a different tune.

Provided by Rebecca Lang

Time 40m

Yield Makes 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups whole milk
4 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/3 cups vanilla wafers
4 ripe bananas, cut into 1/2" slices
3 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a small bowl. 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 375°F for 7 to 9 minutes or until golden. Let cool 30 minutes, and serve warm; or chill an additional hour, and serve cold.

EASY SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING



Easy Southern Banana Pudding image

Make and share this Easy Southern Banana Pudding recipe from Food.com.

Provided by vsdanielski

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 1 trifle, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (5 1/8 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
1 (3 1/2 ounce) box banana cream instant pudding
2 1/2 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1 (16 ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
6 ripe bananas
1 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers
crushed vanilla wafer

Steps:

  • Combine pudding mixes and milk, whisk until smooth.
  • Add sour cream, stir until smooth.
  • Add whipped topping, stirring to combine well.
  • Using a trifle dish, layer 1/3 of pudding mixture, 1/2 of vanilla wafers and 1/2 of bananas.
  • Repeat layers.
  • Top with pudding and garnish with crushed vanilla wafers.
  • Refrigerate several hours before serving. (Can refrigerate overnight.).

BANANA PUDDING



Banana Pudding image

I didn't see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He's a true southern boy! It's a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. -Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 35m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups 2% milk
3 large eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounces vanilla wafers (about 60 cookies), divided
4 large ripe bananas, cut into 1/4-inch slices

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, mix sugar, flour and salt. Whisk in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat., In a small bowl, whisk eggs. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Cool 15 minutes, stirring occasionally., In an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish, layer 25 vanilla wafers, half of the banana slices and half of the pudding. Repeat layers., Press plastic wrap onto surface of pudding. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Just before serving, remove wrap; crush remaining wafers and sprinkle over top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 206mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (37g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

REAL "DOWN HOME" SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING



Real

Southern families, regardless of background, have some traditions in common. One is biscuits and gravy for breakfast at least once a week. Another is banana pudding, or "nanner pudd'n'" as some call it, for dessert. It's delicious no matter what time of day you decide to indulge. I've had it several times for breakfast. Banana pudding is a favorite of most Southerners; and after you've tasted it, you'll know why. Another favorite that is just as good, in my opinion, is banana-pineapple pudding; but that's another recipe. After you try this recipe, you'll be a Southerner at heart. Speaking of heart, bananas are one of the best things you can do for your heart. Bananas are rich in potassium and phosphorous; electrolytes necessary for a healthy heartbeat. So, good news! Not only is banana pudding delicious, it's good for you, too! Oh, if you can resist, put it in the fridge overnight. Banana pudding is better the day after it's made, which is hard to believe when you've tasted it freshly made. In any case, it should be at least cooled to room temperature before serving; so make it a few hours before you intend to serve it, if you're planning to serve it at a particular meal. This is a recipe that uses homemade filling, so a little work is involved. The filling recipe is a family recipe; but the bananas and vanilla wafers are nature's and the cookie company's, respectively. The meringue is a standard meringue recipe that can be found in any cookbook in the known universe. Remember that cold eggs do not yield as much volume as room temperature eggs, and they take longer to peak; so, if you refrigerate your eggs, set them out for an hour or so before you make this recipe. Now, without further ado, here we go...

Provided by AlSwilling

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h15m

Yield 1 pudding, 9 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers
5 large bananas
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

  • BANANA-WAFER PREPARATION:.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Slice the bananas crosswise into 1/4" thick round slices.
  • In a large, oven safe bowl, or in an 8x8x2-inch pan or glass baking dish, line the bottom and sides with a layer of vanilla wafers.
  • On top of the layer of wafers, place one layer of bananas. Repeat, alternating a layer of wafers and a layer of banana slices until the bowl or dish is filled to within 1/4 to 1/2-inch below the rim.
  • THE FILLING:.
  • Separate the eggs, being careful not to nick the yolks. Reserve the egg whites and set aside.
  • Combine evaporated milk and water.
  • In a large sauce pan, mix flour, sugar, and egg yolks until well blended.
  • Mix in milk slowly, stirring constantly.
  • Place pan on the range eye and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
  • As soon as mixture reaches boiling point, reduce heat to medium, stirring constantly until desired thickness is achieved. Filling should be thick but pourable.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Immediately pour over wafer-banana layers, jiggling the dish to ensure that filling covers all layers and there are no air pockets.
  • THE MERINGUE:.
  • TIP - If you do not have cream of tartar, you can use 1/2 tsp of lemon juice as a satisfactory substitute. 1/4 tsp lemon juice = 1/8 tsp cream of tartar.
  • TIP - Cold egg whites will not yield as much volume as room temperature egg whites and will take longer to peak.
  • Beat room-temperature egg whites with vanilla and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  • Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff and glossy peaks form and all sugar is dissolved.
  • Spoon meringue over banana pudding, smoothing the top and sealing it to the edge of the bowl or baking dish.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until meringue is golden.
  • Cool to room temperature or chill in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving.
  • Banana pudding's flavor is best the day after it is made.
  • 9 Servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427.5, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 4.4, Cholesterol 82.1, Sodium 182.9, Carbohydrate 73.9, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 32.6, Protein 7.7

Tips:

  • Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have vanilla wafers, you can use graham crackers or ladyfingers instead.
  • Be sure to chill the pudding for at least 4 hours before serving, or overnight for the best results.
  • Garnish the pudding with whipped cream, banana slices, or chopped nuts before serving.
  • For a fun twist, try adding a layer of chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, or chopped Oreos to the pudding.
  • For a boozy twist, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or vanilla extract to the pudding.

Conclusion:

Southern banana pudding is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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