Southern Banana Pudding Recipe – A True Heirloom Classic
If there is one dessert that feels like home in every way, it’s Southern Banana Pudding. This is the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, often handwritten on a fading index card or remembered from watching a grandmother slowly stir a pot on the stove. Creamy, silky, perfectly sweet, and layered with soft bananas and vanilla wafers—this dessert carries the spirit of Sunday suppers, church gatherings, and family reunions.
What makes this version extra special?
It’s topped with a light, airy homemade meringue that browns beautifully in the oven, giving every bite the perfect balance of warm, cool, creamy, and fluffy. It’s the old-fashioned method—the one you smell before you even take it out of the oven.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a neighborhood potluck, or just craving a nostalgic treat, this banana pudding brings comfort in every spoonful.
⭐ Why This Southern Banana Pudding Is a Keeper
Authentic heirloom recipe – rich, homemade custard, no shortcuts.
Ultra creamy texture – much smoother than instant pudding mixes.
Beautiful baked meringue topping – soft peaks, lightly toasted.
Affordable ingredients – simple, everyday pantry staples.
Feeds a crowd – perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
This is the kind of dessert everyone asks you to “please make again next time.”
🍌 Ingredients
For the pudding:
3 cups whole milk
¾ cup sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
4 large egg yolks (reserve whites for meringue)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 oz)
For the meringue:
4 egg whites
¼ cup sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize)
👩🍳 How to Make Southern Banana Pudding (Step-by-Step)
- Make the homemade custard
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it starts to thicken.
Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl. Temper them by adding a little warm custard, then pour the yolk mixture back into the pot. Continue cooking until thick, smooth, and silky. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Layer the pudding
In a baking dish, add a layer of vanilla wafers, then a layer of sliced bananas, then pour warm custard on top. Repeat the layers until everything is used. The warm custard softens the wafers into the perfect texture.
- Make the meringue
Beat egg whites until foamy, then add sugar gradually. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and cream of tartar.
- Spread and bake
Spread meringue over the pudding, making sure it touches all edges (this prevents shrinking). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until beautifully golden.
Let cool slightly before serving so the layers set.
💡 Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
Use ripe but firm bananas—not mushy.
Custard must be warm when layering to soften wafers perfectly.
Seal meringue to the edges to avoid weeping.
For stronger banana flavor, refrigerate overnight before serving.
Want richer custard? Add 1 tablespoon of butter at the end.
🍽️ How to Serve It
Warm, straight from the oven
Cooled to room temperature
Chilled overnight for thicker layers
Any way you serve it, the flavors only get better with time.
🧡 Why People Love This Recipe
This banana pudding isn’t just dessert—it’s a memory. It reminds people of holidays with their grandparents, summers in the South, and the comfort of food made with love and patience. The homemade custard is what elevates it above anything store-bought. And the toasted meringue? That’s the crown.
If you serve this at a gathering, prepare for the dish to be scraped clean. No leftovers—ever.
📌 Printable / Shareable Recipe Summary
Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue
Creamy homemade custard, fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and soft golden meringue—an heirloom dessert loved for generations.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 8–10