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If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, this Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an irresistible blend of creamy, silky pudding layered with fresh banana slices and crunchy vanilla wafers, all made from scratch with love and simple ingredients. This recipe captures the soul of traditional Southern comfort food while being surprisingly straightforward, ensuring every bite is bursting with authentic, nostalgic flavor. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet weekend treat, this banana pudding will quickly become your go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl filled with a thick, creamy off-white mixture with soft swirls and a silver spoon resting inside it is placed on a white marbled tiled surface. To the left, there is a small white plate holding several thick, round slices of banana with pale yellow flesh. To the right, a small white bowl contains broken pieces of golden brown cookies with a crumbly texture. The scene is simple with natural light highlighting the textures of the food photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this banana pudding truly unforgettable. From the richness of freshly whisked egg yolks to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these pantry staples come together beautifully to craft a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

4 egg yolks: These add richness and help thicken the pudding to a luscious, silky texture.
¼ cup cornstarch: Acts as a gentle thickening agent to give the pudding that smooth, custard-like consistency.
2 cups whole milk: Provides the creamy base that’s rich without being heavy.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds extra decadence and a velvety mouthfeel to the pudding.
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds a subtle buttery aroma and smoothness to the pudding.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the pudding with warm, fragrant notes that tie everything together.
4 medium bananas: Perfectly ripe bananas sliced for fresh fruity layers.
2 cups vanilla wafers (crushed): Provide the iconic crunchy contrast that completes the classic Southern texture combination.

How to Make Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Begin by whisking together the egg yolks and cornstarch in a small glass bowl. This simple mixture is what will create the creamy base, so mixing it well ensures a smooth pudding without any lumps.

Step 2: Warm the Dairy and Sugar

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture gently for about five minutes, whisking often to dissolve the sugar completely. Make sure it does not boil—warming slowly preserves the creaminess and prevents curdling.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Carefully drizzle a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to gently raise the temperature of the eggs. Gradually add about one cup of the warm milk to the eggs, then slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the remaining hot milk on the stove. This step is crucial to prevent scrambling the eggs and to create that silky pudding texture.

Step 4: Cook the Pudding Until Thickened

Continue cooking the combined mixture over medium heat for approximately eight minutes. Keep whisking until the pudding thickens noticeably and coats the back of your spoon. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat.

Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla, then Chill

Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Pour the pudding into a glass bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pudding for at least three hours so it can chill and set properly.

Step 6: Assemble the Banana Pudding Layers

To assemble this Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe, start by placing about three tablespoons of crushed vanilla wafers in the bottom of your serving dish or individual glasses. Layer with one-third of the sliced bananas, then spoon a quarter cup of the chilled pudding on top. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used. For best results, chill the assembled pudding for at least one hour before serving.

How to Serve Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe

A clear glass shows two layers inside: the bottom layer is made of broken light brown cookie pieces with a crumbly texture, and the top layer is several round, thick slices of yellowish-white banana stacked on each other. The glass sits on a white marbled surface, with blurred bowls and kitchen items in soft focus behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair to your banana pudding by sprinkling some additional crushed vanilla wafers or a few thin banana slices on top just before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also brighten the flavors beautifully and add a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This banana pudding pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a tangy fruit salad. Its rich, creamy texture balances well with something refreshing to cut through the sweetness, making it the perfect finale to any Southern-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an Instagram-worthy presentation, try assembling your Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe in clear glass jars or individual mason jars. Layering the pudding, bananas, and wafers creates a visually appealing effect that’s just as delightful to look at as it is to eat. You can also drizzle a little caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the crisp texture of the wafers. Keep in mind the bananas might brown slightly but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

Freezing this pudding is not recommended because the bananas and wafers can become mushy and lose their texture. For the best experience, enjoy your Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm banana pudding, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the pudding’s creamy texture without curdling or drying out the mousse-like consistency.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

While you can substitute low-fat milk, whole milk and heavy cream provide the rich, creamy texture essential to this dessert. Using lower-fat milk may result in a thinner pudding that lacks the traditional indulgent mouthfeel.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose just-ripe bananas with bright yellow skins and maybe a hint of brown spots. They’re sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape in the pudding layers without turning mushy.

Is it necessary to chill the pudding for three hours?

Yes, chilling allows the pudding to set properly and develop its full flavor. It also helps the layers meld perfectly, giving you that classic banana pudding texture everyone loves.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on dairy and eggs for its rich texture, but you can experiment with substitutes like coconut milk, non-dairy cream, and plant-based egg alternatives. Just note the flavor and texture will be slightly different from the original Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe.

What are vanilla wafers, and can I substitute them?

Vanilla wafers are small, sweet cookies with a vanilla flavor and crisp texture, integral to the authenticity of the dish. If unavailable, you can substitute with shortbread cookies or any mildly sweet, crisp cookie with a similar texture.

Final Thoughts

Making this Southern Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch Recipe is truly like creating a little piece of Southern hospitality right in your kitchen. The layers of freshly made pudding, tender bananas, and crunchy wafers come together to create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and special. I encourage you to try it for your next gathering or whenever you need a comforting, classic sweet treat that’s sure to impress and satisfy.

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