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There’s something timeless about a bowl of old fashioned banana pudding. Maybe it’s the layers of creamy vanilla pudding, soft bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers—or maybe it’s the memories tied to it.

From church potlucks and Sunday dinners to backyard cookouts and holiday tables, banana pudding has long been a Southern favorite that brings comfort with every bite.

Unlike the instant versions many of us grew up with, this old fashioned banana pudding recipe is made the classic way with homemade pudding cooked on the stovetop.

The result is rich, silky, and full of real vanilla flavor. Once layered with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers, it becomes the ultimate nostalgic dessert that tastes just like Grandma used to make.

Whether you serve it warm straight from the dish or chilled overnight, this recipe is simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made completely from scratch
• Rich and creamy homemade vanilla pudding
• Perfect balance of sweet bananas and crunchy cookies
• Great for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners
• Easy to make ahead

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Homemade Pudding

• 3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 large eggs, separated
• 4 cups of milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box of Nilla Wafers

How to Make an Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

To start, you are going to add to a large pot the flour, sugar, and eggs. Mix well together.

Once you get this all mixed together, add in the milk. Whisk together until everything comes together. Turn the heat on medium low and begin to cook the custard mixture.

It might take about 10-15 minutes to get to the thickness you need which is a pudding-like substance. Once it reaches that consistency, it will look something like this —

Remove from the heat and get ready to start assembling your Old Fashioned Banana Pudding.

Slice up three bananas and then sprinkle them with lemon juice. By doing this, you are keeping the bananas from turning brown.

Take your baking dish and put about 1/3 of the pudding mixture on the bottom. Then top with a layer of bananas and a layer of Nilla Wafers.

Keep repeating the layers until the last layer is your pudding mixture. 

Time to Make the Meringue for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Once you get the pudding all layered, take your egg whites and remaining sugar and beat in your mixer until stiff peaks form. It should look glossy and white like this —

Pile it on top of your old fashioned banana pudding and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until the peaks and top have turned brown.

There is nothing like warm, gooey pudding, soft cookies, and big chunks of banana, piled high with meringue. Yes. This dish will make you go back for thirds and fourths.

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding

• Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Whole milk gives the pudding the creamiest consistency.
• Letting the pudding chill overnight makes it even better.
• Add homemade whipped cream or meringue on top for an extra special touch.

Can You Make Banana Pudding Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Old fashioned banana pudding is one of the best make-ahead desserts. Prepare it the day before serving and keep it refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

If making it more than a day ahead, wait to add the bananas until closer to serving time to prevent browning.

Storage Tips

Store leftover banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookies will continue to soften over time, giving it an even more classic texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant pudding instead?

You can, but homemade pudding gives this dessert its rich old fashioned flavor and texture.

What cookies work best?

Classic vanilla wafers are traditional, but shortbread cookies or chessmen cookies also work beautifully.

Can banana pudding be frozen?

It’s not recommended. The bananas and pudding texture can change once thawed.

Final Thoughts

Old fashioned banana pudding is more than just dessert—it’s a taste of home. Creamy homemade pudding, sweet bananas, and layers of vanilla wafers come together in a simple recipe that has stood the test of time.

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, Sunday supper, or just because you’re craving something comforting, this Southern classic never disappoints.

For more delicious Southern desserts, check out these posts!

• Joanna Gaines Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Pecan Pie Cake
• Christmas Crack
• Fried Apple Pies