Traditional Southern Banana Pudding – Simple Food Dishes

Before diving into the delightful world of Traditional Southern Banana Pudding, let’s talk pairings. You might wonder what complements this creamy dessert. 

It goes marvelously with a warm slice of cornbread for contrast, or alongside a finger-licking barbecue spread. For a light touch, serve it with sweet tea or a refreshing lemonade. You can even toss in a vibrant fruit salad on the side for that extra burst of flavor.

What is Traditional Southern Banana Pudding?

Traditional Southern Banana Pudding is a comforting dessert that combines layers of homemade custard, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a culinary tradition passed down through generations. 

Originating in the Southern United States, this pudding embodies a sense of community and family gatherings. It’s often showcased at potlucks and barbecue feasts, making it a staple dessert.

What truly sets it apart from other puddings is the texture. With a creamy custard, soft bananas, and crunchy wafers, each bite offers an intriguing mix of tastes and sensations. This dish is often topped with a fluffy meringue, adding a sweet finish.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Craving a little sweetness? Traditional Southern Banana Pudding will not disappoint. It hits the palate with a delightful blend of creaminess from the custard, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and the slight crunch of vanilla wafers.

The custard itself carries a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by hints of vanilla. When fresh bananas are layered throughout, their sweetness beautifully balances the creaminess. Finally, when topped with a soft meringue, you experience an unexpected airy sweetness that rounds out the dish perfectly.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Traditional Southern Banana Pudding?

You might find that many recipes call for box mixes or instant puddings, but I’m here to convince you that making this pudding from scratch offers unmatched flavor and texture. Traditional methods, as passed down from my grandmother, involve slow-cooking the egg yolks with milk and sugar. This patience pays off big time!

Using fresh ingredients, like ripe bananas, gives a more genuine taste compared to processed alternatives. And let’s not forget about the meringue. Instead of using whipped cream, which is a common substitute, the meringue adds a delightful contrast with its softness and sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started is simple! Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need for this Southern classic:

For the Pudding:

• 3½ cups (854 ml) whole milk, divided
  
• 8 egg yolks
  
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  
• ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
  
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  

For the Assembly:

• 6 medium bananas, sliced ½-inch thick
  
• 11 ounces (311.85 g) box vanilla wafers
  

For the Meringue:

• 8 egg whites
  
• 1⅓ cups (266.67 g) granulated sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

Begin by warming 3 cups of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it; you want it hot but not boiling. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Gradually whisk in the flour, followed by the hot milk, creating a smooth mixture.

Next, return this mixture to the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens, about 10 minutes. When it gets to a pudding-like consistency, remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Let this cool while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Assemble the Pudding

Now, take out a trifle dish or a deep glass bowl. Lay a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Next, pour a third of your cooled custard over the bananas and wafers. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of custard on top.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and the cream of tartar while beating, until you reach stiff peaks. Spread this meringue over the custard layer, making sure to seal the edges to prevent it from shrinking while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your pudding for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Once it reaches that lovely golden color, remove it from the oven.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least a couple of hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Tips On Making Traditional Southern Banana Pudding

• Use Fresh Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. Overripe bananas with a few brown spots are ideal.
  
• Don’t Rush the Custard: Stirring continuously and cooking the custard slowly allows for a creamy texture. Patience is key.
  
• Seal the Meringue: Spread the meringue all the way to the edges of the dish. This prevents shrinkage during baking.
  
• Serving Size: Decide whether you’d like to serve this pudding in individual cups or a large bowl. Individual servings are great for gatherings!
  
• Leftover Custard?: If you have extra custard, enjoy it on its own as a delightful treat.
  

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
  
• Protein: 6g
  
• Carbohydrates: 52g
  
• Total Fat: 11g
  
• Saturated Fat: 6g
  
• Sugar: 24g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  

How Can I Store This Traditional Southern Banana Pudding?

Storing Banana Pudding? Simply cover your dish airtight with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the bananas may brown slightly after a day.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find yourself missing a few ingredients, no worries! Here are some substitutes you can use:

• Whole Milk: You can replace it with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk. Just keep in mind the flavor will slightly change.
  
• Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a more natural sweetness. If you’re using honey, a little less than the stated amount works best.
  
• Vanilla Extract: If you’re out, a splash of bourbon or rum can add an interesting twist to the flavor while keeping that Southern charm.
  
• Egg Whites for Meringue: If you want to skip the egg whites altogether, a store-bought whipped topping can work, but it won’t have the same delightful crisp.
  

Conclusion

There you have it! A complete guide to making Traditional Southern Banana Pudding that not only feeds the belly but also warms the heart. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering or a quiet evening at home, this dessert is a crowd pleaser that never goes out of style. Remember, cooking is about sharing experiences and creating memories. So, grab your loved ones, gather the ingredients, and create something delightful together. And who knows, this may just become the next family tradition! Enjoy every creamy, sweet, and crunchy bite!

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Print Recipe

Traditional Southern Banana Pudding – Simple Food Dishes

Author: Lisa Schneider Cuisine: American Courses: Snacks & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 45 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 12 Calories: 320 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Hello there! I remember the first time I tasted Traditional Southern Banana Pudding at my grandmother's house. It felt like a warm hug on a sunny day. Creamy, rich, and filled with layers of flavor, this dessert rooted deep in the South is more than a simple treat; it’s a nostalgic journey that brings families together.

 In this post, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about this beloved dish, from its delightful flavor profile to step-by-step directions for making it. Let’s get ready to whip up something magical in the kitchen!

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pudding:

• ³¹⁄₂ cups whole milk, divided (854 ml)
• 8 egg yolks
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour (62.5 g)
• ¹¹⁄₂ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Assembly:

• 6 medium bananas, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 11 ounces box vanilla wafers (311.85 g)

For the Meringue:

• 8 egg whites
• ¹¹⁄₃ cups granulated sugar (266.67 g)
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

1. Begin by warming 3 cups of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it; you want it hot but not boiling. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Gradually whisk in the flour, followed by the hot milk, creating a smooth mixture.

   Next, return this mixture to the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens, about 10 minutes. When it gets to a pudding-like consistency, remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Let this cool while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Assemble the Pudding

1. Now, take out a trifle dish or a deep glass bowl. Lay a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Next, pour a third of your cooled custard over the bananas and wafers. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of custard on top.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and the cream of tartar while beating, until you reach stiff peaks. Spread this meringue over the custard layer, making sure to seal the edges to prevent it from shrinking while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your pudding for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Once it reaches that lovely golden color, remove it from the oven.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least a couple of hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Total Carbohydrate 52g18%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 24g

Protein 6g12%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Use Fresh Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. Overripe bananas with a few brown spots are ideal.
  
• Don’t Rush the Custard: Stirring continuously and cooking the custard slowly allows for a creamy texture. Patience is key.
  
• Seal the Meringue: Spread the meringue all the way to the edges of the dish. This prevents shrinkage during baking.
  
• Serving Size: Decide whether you'd like to serve this pudding in individual cups or a large bowl. Individual servings are great for gatherings!
  
• Leftover Custard?: If you have extra custard, enjoy it on its own as a delightful treat.
  

Keywords: Traditional Southern Banana Pudding