Nana'S Banana Pudding
Nana's Banana Pudding is a creamy, layered dessert with ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and fluffy meringue topping, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar and flour in the top of a double boiler.
- Add egg yolks and milk, then mix well.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add vanilla flavoring.
- On the bottom of a dish, put a small amount of custard.
- Cover with vanilla wafers.
- Top with sliced bananas, sliced longways.
- Pour custard over the bananas and wafers.
- Repeat layers to make about 3 layers, ending with custard.
- Top with stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier custard, consider using whole milk instead of 2% or substituting some of the milk with heavy cream. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought vanilla pudding as a base instead of making the custard from scratch. Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness. To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of salt or a touch of cinnamon to the custard.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nana's Banana Pudding chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top for added texture. This dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented with a side of fresh berries or enjoyed alongside dishes like Triple Treat Jello Salad for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pudding in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat as it can affect the texture. Cold servings can also be enjoyed straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Banana Pudding contains roughly 784 calories, with 12g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
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 Nana's Banana Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble them a few hours before serving. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to add the sliced bananas just before serving to prevent browning.
What can I substitute for the vanilla wafers?
If you don't have vanilla wafers, you can use graham crackers or even homemade cookies as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Nana's Banana Pudding gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, check that your vanilla wafers are gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free cookies.
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).