Frankie'S Banana Pudding
A creamy, layered banana pudding with vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and fluffy meringue topping, perfect for comforting gatherings and sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk in a saucepan.
- Mix the flour or cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk or water to create a slurry.
- When the milk reaches a slight bubble, stir in the flour mixture and 1 cup of sugar.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Mix 2 tablespoons of the hot sauce with the egg yolks, then return this mixture to the saucepan and cook briefly.
- Add vanilla to the sauce.
- Layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding sauce in a serving dish.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add 3 tablespoons of sugar to the egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the layered pudding.
- Brown the meringue in the oven or with a torch until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat milk. You can substitute cornstarch for flour if you're looking for a gluten-free option. Ensure to stir constantly when adding the slurry to prevent lumps. If you have leftover meringue, use it to top off other desserts like Fruitcake Balls for added flair.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the banana pudding chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside slices of Old-Fashioned 3 Layer Banana Cake for a banana-themed dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave, being careful not to cook the pudding further. The meringue may lose some texture after refrigeration but will still taste delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frankie'S Banana Pudding contains roughly 339 calories, with 4g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this banana pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding a day in advance. Just layer the ingredients without the meringue, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the meringue just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
If you can't find vanilla wafers, you can substitute them with graham crackers or even ginger snaps for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the texture can hold up in layering.
How do I know when the pudding is thick enough?
The pudding will thicken when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a line when you run your finger through it. It should have a creamy consistency that is not too runny.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).