Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe – This delicious and authentic banana pudding is made from scratch using a mixture of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe and sweet bananas, and crispy Nilla Wafers.” It’s easy to assemble and so good!!

This old fashioned cooked banana pudding is something you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients For Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Milk: If you’re looking for a different milk option for making pudding, you could use 2% milk instead of whole milk. I haven’t personally tried it, but I’ve heard that almond milk can also be used as a substitute for whole milk. Additionally, rice milk is said to result in a tasty pudding, but I haven’t had the chance to try it. If you’re trying to make a dairy-free version, it might take some experimenting to find the right alternative that works for you.

Egg Yolks: For a creamy and rich pudding, it is crucial to separate the eggs and use only the egg yolks. This step guarantees the pudding will have a smooth and indulgent texture. If you’re planning on making a meringue, you can save the egg whites for that recipe.

Vanilla Wafers: Typically, I opt for gluten-free vanilla wafers, but feel free to use any brand or type that you prefer. If you don’t have vanilla wafers, graham crackers make an excellent substitute.

Bananas: For this banana pudding old fashioned recipe, you should use ripe bananas, but not overly ripe like you would for banana bread. Opt for bananas that are bright yellow with minimal brown speckles.

How to make Old Fashioned Banana Pudding?

For this recipe, a classic technique is utilized by toasting the meringue after assembling the banana pudding. Ensure that your oven is set to 375°F before you start to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Start the Pudding: Mix together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan until they are well blended, using a whisk. Then, add the milk and the four reserved egg yolks to the mixture. Keep the egg whites close by as they will be used for the meringue later.

Constantly stir the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a thicker consistency, which may take up to 8 minutes.

Once the mixture has reached a thick consistency, remove it from the heat and mix in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract.

Build the Pudding: To assemble, place a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of an 8″ x 8″ baking dish.

Place a layer of sliced bananas (approximately ½” thick) on top of the vanilla wafers, then spread half of the pudding mixture over it.

Repeat the process with the remaining vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding.

Make the meringue: Beat the egg whites until completely foamy, using an electric mixer. Slowly incorporate the remaining sugar into the mixture, continuing to beat until it completely dissolves and the peaks of the mixture hold their shape firmly.

Whisking at a low-medium speed may take up to 5 minutes, but have patience, as the result will be a light and fluffy topping that is definitely worth the wait!

Finish the pudding and bake: Make sure to evenly spread the meringue over the entire surface of the pudding.

Bake the banana pudding in the oven until the meringue topping turns a golden brown color, which should take approximately 7-10 minutes. By the time it’s done, let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

My Best Tips

• The salt in this recipe serves to counterbalance the sweetness, however, some reviewers have commented that they would have liked less of it. To accommodate personal taste, consider using only ½ teaspoon of salt. Additionally, it’s crucial to use unsalted butter to prevent any extra salt from being added to the dish beyond what is specified in the old fashioned homemade banana pudding recipe.
• For a rich and creamy flavor in dessert recipes that call for milk, it’s best to use a milk with a higher fat content. To achieve optimal results in this pudding recipe, it’s recommended to use whole milk if available.

The step-by-step instructions Old Fashioned Banana Pudding pictures can be found in the recipe card below.

Questions and answers about Old Fashioned Banana Pudding recipe

Recipe Variations

As an alternative, I sometimes beat the egg whites into a stiff and sweetened meringue, and then delicately fold it into the custard after it has cooled. This is done prior to assembling the final dish.

The result is a lighter texture with all the delicious flavor of the pudding, reminiscent of a creamy mousse.

Give this method a try and if it’s not to your liking, use the meringue as a topping in your next batch or save the egg whites for another use.

In a time crunch, instant banana pudding mix can be used as a substitute for homemade vanilla pudding. Although it may not be as flavorful as using real bananas, it serves as a suitable alternative.

As an alternative, instant vanilla pudding mix can be utilized in place of the homemade custard.

Some Southern-style banana pudding recipes call for chessman cookies as a substitute for ‘Nilla Wafers.

If you’re searching for a classic homemade old fashioned banana pudding recipe, this is the best one for you. because it has a unique twist.

For a delightful change, try adding sliced strawberries, peaches, or raspberries instead of bananas in your pudding recipe.

For a different flavor profile, consider using graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers in your pudding recipe.

What Do You Serve With Banana pudding Old fashioned?

To enhance the creamy flavor, top each serving of Southern-style banana pudding with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Have a look at our other dessert recipes, how about red velvet banana pudding or banana pudding cake

Can You Freeze the recipe?

It is not recommended to freeze banana pudding as it can negatively affect the texture of the cookies and cause the bananas to turn unappealing and dark in color.

Can You Store Old Fashioned Banana Pudding?

This classic Southern-style old fashioned

banana pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient make-ahead treat!

Can you serve this dessert warm?

While our Test Kitchen experts believe that banana pudding is best enjoyed chilled, ultimately, the serving temperature is a matter of personal preference.

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