Mama'S Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Deliciously rich banana pudding with layers of vanilla wafers, creamy custard, and fluffy meringue topping—a comforting dessert perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix milk, sugar, egg yolks, self‑rising flour, and vanilla flavoring in a large saucepan.
- Cook over medium‑high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a custard.
- Line a large ovenproof bowl with a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Layer sliced bananas over the wafers.
- Pour a ladle of the thickened pudding over the bananas.
- Repeat the wafer, banana, and pudding layers until all ingredients are used.
- Whisk egg whites until foamy, then gradually add half a cup of sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue evenly over the top layer of pudding.
- Bake in a preheated 450°F oven until the meringue is lightly browned.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. When layering, make sure the bananas are ripe but firm to prevent them from becoming mushy. For a twist, you could add crushed nuts or coconut between the layers, which pairs beautifully with Aunt Mary'S Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the banana pudding warm or chilled as a delightful dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Christmas Nut Cake for a delightful holiday spread. This classic dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed year-round.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. If the meringue has softened, you can briefly broil the top to restore some crispness, being careful not to burn it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Old Fashioned Banana Pudding contains roughly 321 calories, with 7g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and 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 and layer it with wafers and bananas a day in advance. Just wait to add the meringue until you're ready to bake it, as it can weep if stored too long. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out, and refrigerate until serving.
What can I use instead of self-rising flour?
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. For every cup of self-rising flour, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This substitution will work perfectly in this recipe.
How can I prevent the bananas from browning?
To keep the bananas from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. The acidity will help slow down the oxidation process, keeping your dessert looking fresh and appealing for longer.
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).