Staci'S Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
A rich, creamy banana pudding with vanilla wafers, sweet bananas, and a fluffy meringue topping, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar and flour together in a saucepan.
- Slowly add milk and cook over medium-high heat until thickened.
- Add egg yolks, vanilla, butter, and mashed bananas to the mixture.
- Pour pudding over a layer of vanilla wafers in a serving dish.
- Whip egg whites to form a meringue and spread over the pudding.
- Bake or broil until meringue is golden brown (optional, if desired).
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or even a mix of cream and milk. If you're short on time, pre-made vanilla pudding can substitute for the homemade version, though the texture will differ. You can also switch up the wafers with graham crackers for a different taste. Make sure your bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the banana pudding chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with a side of Sugar-Free Lime Salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh banana slices or serve alongside coffee or tea, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the meringue begins to weep, it may be best to remove it before storing. To reheat, gently warm the pudding in the oven on low heat, but note that the meringue may not retain its original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Staci'S Old Fashioned Banana Pudding contains roughly 832 calories, with 11g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A.
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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding a day ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator without the meringue. Add the meringue just before serving to ensure it stays fluffy and doesn't get soggy.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use graham crackers or even shortbread cookies as a substitute. Each will add a unique twist to the texture and taste of the pudding.
How do I know when the pudding is thick enough?
The pudding is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a line when you run your finger through it. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes of cooking over medium-high heat.
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).