Original Nilla Banana Pudding
A creamy, layered banana pudding with vanilla custard, Nilla wafers, and ripe bananas, topped with meringue and baked to perfection—perfect for gatherings and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar, flour, and salt in the top of a double boiler.
- Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk; cook uncovered over boiling water, stirring constantly, for 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
- Reserve 10 Nilla wafers for garnish.
- Spread a small amount of custard on the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer with 1/3 of the remaining wafers and sliced bananas.
- Pour about 1/3 of the custard over the layered wafers and bananas.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining wafers, bananas, and custard to make three layers, ending with custard.
- Beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon meringue over the custard, spreading to cover the entire surface and sealing to the edges.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned.
- Cool slightly or refrigerate several hours until chilled.
- Top with reserved wafers before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of 2% milk. If you're short on time, pre-made vanilla pudding can be substituted for the homemade custard. To enhance the taste, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture. Ensure you seal the meringue well to avoid it shrinking during baking. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free vanilla wafers.
Serving Suggestions
This Original Nilla Banana Pudding is best served chilled, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather. It pairs beautifully with an Easy Milkshake for a delightful treat. Consider serving it alongside a light fruit salad or whipped cream for added freshness. For a fun twist, layer the pudding in individual cups for a party-friendly presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the meringue is not too browned, it will hold up well for a day or two. To reheat, place in the oven at a low temperature, but note that the meringue may lose its texture. It's best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Original Nilla Banana Pudding contains roughly 809 calories, with 12g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% 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 use different types of bananas for this recipe?
Yes, while ripe bananas are preferred for sweetness and flavor, you can use slightly under-ripe bananas for a firmer texture. Just ensure they are yellow with some spots for the best flavor. Avoid using overly ripe bananas, as they may become mushy in the pudding.
How do I prevent the meringue from weeping?
To prevent weeping, ensure that the meringue is spread over the warm custard immediately after whipping. Sealing the edges well to the custard helps trap moisture. Additionally, using cornstarch in the meringue can also help stabilize it, reducing the chance of weeping during cooling.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard and layer the pudding up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the meringue until you're ready to bake it. This allows for the best texture and presentation. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to finish and serve.
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).