Gail'S Banana Pudding
Gail's Banana Pudding is a creamy, layered dessert with ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and a fluffy meringue topping, perfect for gatherings and sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whirl milk, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and flour in a blender.
- Transfer the mixture to a double boiler and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until thick, ensuring not to scorch.
- Alternate layering vanilla wafers and bananas in a large casserole dish.
- Pour the hot pudding over the layered wafers and bananas.
- Top with meringue.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use whole milk instead of low-fat. If you're short on time, you can substitute the homemade pudding with a store-bought vanilla pudding mix. Ensure the meringue is spread evenly to avoid weeping. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the pudding mixture or topping it with Sweet Spiced Walnuts Or Pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the banana pudding chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional banana slices for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with Jimmy Gomes' Favorite Jello Cake for a delightful dessert spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a refreshing fruit platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at a low temperature until just heated through, being careful not to overcook the meringue, which can become rubbery. Enjoy it cold or warm, depending on your preference.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gail'S Banana Pudding contains roughly 230 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 vanilla wafers and bananas, then pour the pudding over them. Cover and refrigerate. Add the meringue right before baking to keep it fluffy and fresh.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
If you don't have vanilla wafers, consider using graham crackers or even shortbread cookies as an alternative. They will provide a different texture and flavor but still work well with the bananas and pudding.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this banana pudding gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check the labels on the vanilla wafers to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
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).