🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes (for homemade pudding)
- Chill Time: 2–4 hours
- Total Time: ~3 hours
🛒 Ingredients
Pudding
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks (beaten)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Layers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (like Nilla wafers)
Meringue (Optional Traditional Topping)
- 4 egg whites
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
(OR use whipped cream if you prefer modern style)
👩🍳 Directions
1. Make the Pudding
- In a saucepan, whisk together:
- Sugar, flour, and salt
- Gradually whisk in milk
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 8–10 minutes)
2. Temper the Eggs
- Slowly add a little hot pudding into the beaten egg yolks
- Then pour egg mixture back into saucepan
- Cook 2–3 more minutes until smooth and creamy
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla
3. Layer the Pudding
- In a baking dish:
- Layer vanilla wafers
- Add sliced bananas
- Pour pudding over top
- Repeat layers until everything is used
4. Make Meringue (Optional)
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form
- Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form
- Mix in vanilla
5. Top & Bake (if using meringue)
- Spread meringue over pudding
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden
6. Chill & Serve
- Let cool slightly, then refrigerate 2–4 hours
- Serve chilled or slightly warm
🔥 Southern Tips
- Slightly overripe bananas = best flavor
- Let it sit overnight—it gets even better
- Classic Southern style uses meringue, not whipped cream
- Don’t skip layering—it’s what gives it that signature texture