Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding: A Classic Southern Dessert

There’s something timeless and comforting about Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding. This classic Southern dessert, with its layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, is a nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, this banana pudding is far superior to anything you’ll find in a box. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of tradition to your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 box Vanilla wafers (about 8 oz.)
• 4 bananas, sliced

Directions

1. Prepare the Pudding:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to fully cook the flour.

2. Temper the Eggs:

• Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs together until smooth. To temper the eggs (which prevents them from scrambling), slowly add a small amount of the hot pudding mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly. This step gradually raises the temperature of the eggs without cooking them too quickly.

3. Finish the Pudding:

• Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan with the remaining pudding. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding begins to gently boil again. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the pudding is thick and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, comforting flavor. Remove the pudding from the heat and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

4. Assemble the Pudding:

• In an ungreased 8-inch square pan, arrange about 25 vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top the wafers with half of the sliced bananas. Pour half of the warm pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding, finishing with a layer of pudding on top. This layering creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

5. Chill the Pudding:

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pudding to chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the pudding set. The longer it chills, the better the flavors will develop.

6. Serve:

• Just before serving, crush the remaining vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top of the pudding for a bit of added crunch. Serve the banana pudding cold, and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors of this classic dessert.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
Servings: 8 servings

This Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a beloved dessert that has stood the test of time. With its layers of velvety pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because, this banana pudding is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Try this recipe and experience the simple pleasure of homemade banana pudding. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and enjoy this taste of Southern tradition!

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