Real stovetop custard, ripe bananas and vanilla wafers that soften into cake. The classic Southern way.
Prep25 min
Cook10 min
Total35 min
Serves10
LevelIntermediate
What makes it special
Whole milk
Egg yolks
Sugar
Butter
Banana pudding is the dessert I'm asked to bring to every potluck. Nothing fancy, just layers of creamy homemade custard, ripe bananas and vanilla wafers that soften into something almost like cake. Make it the day before and let the fridge do the magic.
Why homemade custard
Instant pudding is fine, but a quick stovetop custard made with egg yolks, milk and cream is silky, rich and tastes of real vanilla. Pouring it over the wafers while it's still warm helps them soften evenly.
Building the layers
1. Wafers on the bottom.
2. Banana slices on top.
3. Warm custard over everything.
4. Repeat until the dish is full, finishing with custard.
5. Whipped cream on top.
Tips
Use whole milk for the creamiest custard.
Stop cooking as soon as it coats the back of a spoon.
Ripe, not mushy, bananas. Yellow with a few spots is perfect.
Be patient. At least 3 hours of chilling, overnight is best.
Variations
Meringue top: the vintage Southern finish.
Caramel: drizzle caramel between the layers.
Chocolate: a thin layer of ganache in the middle.
Cheesecake cups: a spoonful of cheesecake filling in each layer, built in jars.
Serving
Scoop it straight from the dish or build it in small jars for a picnic. Add fresh banana slices and crushed wafers just before serving.
Layers of homemade vanilla custard, ripe banana slices and vanilla wafers, topped with whipped cream and chilled until spoonable.
Desserts Intermediate American
Prep
25 min
Cook
10 min
Total
35 min
Servings
10
Ingredients 11 items
Tap to check off as you go
Custard
Layers
Instructions 10 steps
1
Whisk the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan.
2
Whisk in the egg yolks, milk and cream until smooth.
3
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
4
Take it off the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
5
Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers in a dish.
6
Top with banana slices.
7
Pour some of the warm custard over the top.
8
Repeat the layers, finishing with custard.
9
Spread with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed wafers if you like.
10
Chill for at least 3 to 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
290
Protein
5g
Carbs
40g
Fat
14g
Sugar
28g
Fiber
2g
Sodium
130mg
Questions, answered
Will the bananas turn brown?
Not much. The custard covers them and keeps the air out.
Can I use instant pudding?
You can if you're in a hurry, but the homemade custard is richer and much more flavorful.
Can I freeze it?
No. The bananas turn watery and the texture suffers.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
