Classic Homemade Banana Pudding: Southern Comfort Dessert Recipe

Homemade Banana Pudding: A Classic American Dessert

Homemade banana pudding is a decadent, creamy dessert that brings together layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and silky banana custard.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Banana Pudding

• From Scratch: No boxed mixes—just real ingredients for that rich banana flavor.
• No-Bake Comfort: Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family nights.
• Customizable Layers: Swap wafers for graham crackers or add a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients for Homemade Banana Pudding

• ⅔ cup (135 g) white sugar
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, divided
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 box (11 oz/312 g) vanilla wafer cookies
• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Banana Pudding

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually stir in 2 cups of milk until smooth; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles appear.
3. Remove from heat. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks, then return yolk mixture to saucepan and cook 1 minute more.
4. Stir in remaining 1 cup milk and vanilla extract; let custard cool for 10 minutes.
5. In a 2-quart dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and custard. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with custard on top.
6. Cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Homemade Banana Pudding

Pro Tips

• Chill Well: A longer chill time (up to 4 hours) gives cleaner slices and deeper flavor.
• Ripe Bananas: Use just-ripe bananas—too firm won’t soften, too ripe may turn mushy.
• Scale Up: Double the batch for parties by layering in a large trifle dish.

Variations to Try

• Swap half the milk for coconut milk to add tropical flair.
• Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a twist on banana–chocolate pudding.
• Add a layer of caramel sauce between custard and wafers for extra richness.

Nutrition per serving: 580 kcal | Carbs: 92 g | Protein: 13 g | Fat: 19 g. Sugar: 62 g | Fiber: 2 g | Cholesterol: 168 mg | Sodium: 428 mg.

Enjoy your homemade banana pudding!