One of my fondest memories from my childhood was attending extended family dinners at my Grandmother’s house. Her dining room table would be groaning with food; crispy fried chicken, baked ham, and oodles of vegetables. We had so much food we utilized other spaces to hold the spillover. Desserts were piled on the sideboard and stand-alone dishwasher. The kitchen countertops and island were devoted to a collection of soft drinks and the perennial Southern favorite; sweet tea.
We had so many family members we devoted an entire dishpan to hold ice. My main attraction was the desserts. I’d sneak over and fill a plate with my favorites, ignoring the other dishes. After all, those dishes would still be available at dinner, but the desserts would be gone. A staple of every dinner was this Southern Baked Banana Pudding Recipe. I never knew which aunt or cousin would show up with this pudding but it was sure to disappear quickly.
Southern Baked Banana Pudding Recipe
Our family gatherings included two banana puddings; the traditional baked version piled high with fluffy meringue and passed down through generations, and the easy no-bake smooth and creamy version. I’ll be honest. I usually make the no-bake version because it’s easier and I prefer the taste. However, if you’re feeling nostalgic and want the traditional version just like Grandma used to make, this is one of the best I’ve ever tasted.
Cooking Tips:
- Since this is a traditional recipe, the pudding is a little runny like all classic puddings.
- The recipe makes a lot of pudding. You can half the recipe if you’re not sharing it with friends and family.
- Make this pudding gluten-free by substituting cornstarch for the flour and using gluten-free vanilla wafers. We like to use either Schar’s Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers or Hannah Max’s Original Gluten-Free Cookie Crisps when preparing a gluten-free version.
- Don’t have a double boiler? No problem! Make a DIY one instead. Begin with a large saucepan. Place a smaller heat-resistant dish inside. Fill the larger saucepan with enough water that it comes close to the bottom of the heat-resistant dish but doesn’t touch it. Use this the same way you would use a double boiler.
- Use “real” vanilla extract -not imitation vanilla flavoring- for the best taste.
- Don’t use overripe mushy bananas in this recipe. You want the bananas to be firm.
Tips for Making the Meringue:
- Use confectioners sugar instead of regular sugar. This prevents a grainy texture.
- Confectioners sugar and powdered sugar are the same things. It just depends on how the manufacturer wants to label the package.
- Before making the meringue, allow the egg yolks to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. They’ll be easier to whip.
- Sometimes, if I need the egg whites warmed up quickly, I will microwave them on high for 10 to 15 seconds and stir before using.
- Classic meringue takes a long time to whip. Use a stand mixer if you have one.
- The lemon juice is optional, but it helps stabilize the meringue.
Ingredients You’ll Need For the Pudding and Meringue Topping:
- sugar (regular and confectioners)
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- eggs, divided into egg yolks and egg whites
- milk-use whole or 2% in this recipe
- vanilla extract- don’t use imitation vanilla in this recipe
- vanilla wafers
- bananas
- lemon juice
Printable Recipe:
Southern Baked Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
5 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
5 large egg yolks, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafers
5 large bananas, sliced
For the meringue:
5 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
- In a double boiler, over medium heat, combine the sugar, flour, and salt.
- Stir in the egg yolks and milk. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the mixture is thick. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla.
- Spread the vanilla wafers evenly across the bottom of a baking dish, making sure the bottom is covered.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the wafers. Top the pudding mixture with the sliced bananas, spreading evenly over the top.
- Prepare the meringue. Add the egg whites, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to a large bowl. Using a mixer, blend the meringue until stiff peaks form. This can take 15 to 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the meringue over the pudding. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned.
This recipe was featured in our book The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes and New Twists on Old Favorites, published by Rockridge Press. If you liked this recipe, we’ve got 99 more delicious recipes, many with gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan adaptions. You’ll also find detailed cooking instructions, cooking hints, funny family stories, and fun foodie facts. You can order it here->https://amzn.to/2LUdLNk.
We hope you enjoy our classic baked banana pudding recipe. May it create as many family memories with your family as it has with ours! What is your favorite classic dessert recipe?
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I have never had bread pudding but it seems like it would be a huge people pleaser!
So yeah. Sign me up! This looks so delicious I’d eat the whole thing! No dinner just dessert
I have never tried banana pudding but it looks super delicious! I’m sure it would make a perfect comfort food for autumn and winter! Have to give this recipe a try asap!
Looks so yummy! I love Southern food, this baked banana pudding looks so easy to make, but still delicious!
The Baked Banana pudding seems really interesting and worth the extra effort. The Non-baked one of course looks nice and is relatively easy, but would love to try the baked version.
Oh wow. I love bananas and I love pudding! This would be AMAZING to try out. I bet my whole family would lOVE it!
omg-YUM! This looks fantastic. I looove banana pudding but have never tried making it myself. I will now!
Ohhhhh, I’m reading this at night and it’s literally making me drool!!! I need some in my life! I’ve never made it before, but now I want to try it!
Oh this sounds really good. I’ll have to bookmark this and fix it the next time I’m going to a gathering.
I love banana pudding and this looks great. I am going to give it a try.
Banana pudding is one of my all time faovrite deserts so thank you for this recipe. It looks amazing.
I have one banana pudding recipe that I’ve used for years but this one sounds good enough to try! It’s definitely a change from our regular one.
Oh my goodness, this looks incredible. Thank you for the full recipe. My husband’s fave is banana pudding, so this would be right up his alley.
My husband walked by while I was reading your post and asked if that was Banana Pudding and he now wants me to make this. He said it looks so good. I know he will love it.
I love desserts that feature banana. It’s my favorite ingredient for sweet recipes. I gotta try your pudding recipe one day!!
Oh my gosh my mouth is watering just looking at this picture. I love banana putting anyway so this is a perfect little treat. I think for sure I’m going to try it probably tonight even.
I haven’t made southern banana pudding in years. My mom used to make it all the time for us growing up. Your recipe looks so yummy. I can’t wait to give it a try.
I have never tried a baked banana pudding. This is going on fall baking list. Looks so good
Oh my gosh, yum. I just love southern pudding. This takes it to the next level. I cannot wait to give this a try.