Southern Style Banana Pudding
Southern Style Banana Pudding is a creamy, fruity dessert layered with vanilla wafers, bananas, and topped with a golden meringue, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare pudding according to package directions.
- Arrange half the vanilla wafers in the bottom of an 8 x 8 x 2-inch square baking dish.
- Top with half the sliced bananas, then half the pudding.
- Repeat with remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding.
- Beat egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar in a medium bowl at high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue evenly over the pudding, spreading to the edge of the dish to seal.
- Bake in a preheated moderate oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat. If you want to cut down on sugar, substitute some of the sugar in the meringue with a sugar alternative. To prevent bananas from browning, toss them with a bit of lemon juice. This Southern Style Banana Pudding is a great addition to any gathering, especially alongside Grandma'S Buttermilk Biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Southern Style Banana Pudding chilled for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Rum And Eggnog Cake for a festive dessert table. Consider garnishing with extra banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers on top for added texture. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the meringue's texture, avoid covering it tightly, as this can cause it to become soggy. If reheating, it's best to serve it cold, but if you prefer warm pudding, reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Banana Pudding contains roughly 1346 calories, with 19g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% 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 fresh whipped cream instead of meringue?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh whipped cream as a topping instead of meringue. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form and spread it over the pudding just before serving. This will give a rich, creamy finish without the need for baking.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
If you can't find vanilla wafers, you can substitute them with graham crackers or even chocolate wafers for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this will alter the taste of the dish slightly, but it can still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Southern Style Banana Pudding gluten-free, look for gluten-free vanilla wafers or use crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure that your pudding mix is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy this classic dessert without any dietary concerns.
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).