Creamy Banana Bliss

This Classic Southern Banana Pudding recipe delivers an authentic, from-scratch experience, featuring rich vanilla pudding layered with fresh banana slices, crispy vanilla wafers, and crowned with a light, airy whipped cream. It’s a timeless dessert perfect for any occasion!

Indulge in the Best Homemade Banana Pudding

There’s nothing quite like a well-made banana pudding to evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This homemade recipe is a tribute to that beloved Southern tradition, elevated by the creamy, luscious vanilla pudding prepared entirely from scratch. Every spoonful offers a delightful medley of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible treat that truly feels like a mini-vacation for your tastebuds.

My inspiration for perfecting this particular recipe stemmed from an unforgettable dessert I enjoyed on a recent Princess Cruise. While cruises are often associated with breathtaking ocean views, refreshing poolside drinks, and exciting shore excursions, it’s easy to overlook one of the most delightful aspects of the journey: the food!

This post is in partnership with Princess Cruises.

During my voyage aboard the Caribbean Princess, I discovered Planks BBQ, a restaurant that served an incredible dessert called the “Overboard Banana Pudding.” It was, without exaggeration, the best banana pudding I had ever tasted – a true standout among all the culinary delights of the trip. As a self-proclaimed sweets enthusiast, I knew I had to recreate that sublime experience in my own kitchen. And so, this carefully crafted recipe was born, designed to bring that same exquisite taste of a tropical escape right to your home.

What is Banana Pudding?

Contrary to what the name might suggest, traditional banana pudding isn’t a pudding made *from* bananas. Instead, it’s a beloved Southern delicacy that masterfully combines layers of rich, creamy vanilla pudding, tender slices of fresh bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers (often Nilla wafers), and a generous topping of fluffy whipped cream. It’s a symphony of contrasting textures and complementary flavors that has earned its place as a quintessential American comfort dessert.

This dessert is celebrated for its simplicity yet profound satisfaction. The vanilla wafers soften over time, absorbing the creamy pudding and banana flavors, creating an almost cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. If you’ve never experienced the magic of this classic Southern dish, my easy-to-follow recipe is the perfect introduction to an enduring favorite.

The Art of From-Scratch Pudding: No Substitutions!

Creating the perfect banana pudding hinges on the quality of its components, especially the vanilla pudding. I spent weeks rigorously testing and refining this recipe, experimenting with various ingredient ratios and techniques to achieve the ideal custard-like consistency and depth of flavor. Through this extensive process, I discovered just how crucial it is to follow the recipe precisely for the best results.

For instance, I attempted using all whole eggs, but the texture wasn’t quite right. Substituting heavy cream for milk also didn’t yield the desired lightness. Even adding butter, a common pudding enhancer, disrupted the delicate balance. Trust me on this: stick to the ingredient list! Every component has been carefully selected to contribute to the overall perfection of this classic dessert.

While an instant vanilla pudding mix can be a tempting shortcut, especially when time is short, I genuinely promise that the extra effort involved in making the pudding from scratch is incredibly rewarding. The difference in taste and texture is undeniable, elevating this simple dessert from good to truly extraordinary.

How to Make the Best Banana Pudding From Scratch: Step-by-Step

Crafting this delicious banana pudding involves a few straightforward steps, ensuring a smooth and flavorful result every time.

• In a medium saucepan, thoroughly whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt.
• Stir in the egg and egg yolks until well combined, then gradually incorporate the whole milk.
• Cook the mixture uncovered over medium heat, continuously whisking, until it visibly thickens, which typically takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Constant whisking is key to prevent scorching and ensure a creamy consistency.
• Remove the hot pudding mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Allow the pudding to cool for approximately 30 minutes, whisking it regularly during this time to release trapped heat and prevent a skin from forming on top.
• To assemble individual servings, place 3 or 4 vanilla wafers at the bottom of 6 small mason jars.
• Spoon a layer of the vanilla pudding over the wafers, followed by another layer of vanilla wafers.
• Arrange fresh banana slices over the wafers, then evenly divide the remaining vanilla pudding to cover the banana slices.
• Finally, pipe prepared whipped cream generously on top of the pudding. Garnish with additional vanilla wafers, a sprig of mint, and extra banana slices, if desired, for a beautiful presentation.

This dessert is undoubtedly at its peak freshness and flavor the day it’s made, allowing the wafers to soften perfectly while the bananas retain their optimal texture. However, it will keep well for about 3 days when stored in the refrigerator. To minimize banana browning, it’s best to keep the pudding uncut and covered until serving. Once scooped, consume it relatively quickly to enjoy the bananas before they begin to oxidize.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serving and Storage Tips

This banana pudding is wonderfully decadent, yet its light and refreshing qualities make it an ideal dessert to serve even during the warmest summer months. The sweet combination of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers always transports me back to those blissful tropical cruise days. But rest assured, you don’t need to be sailing the Caribbean Sea to savor this delightful treat (though I highly recommend a cruise if you ever get the chance!).

This traditional recipe is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser for a reason. Its beautiful layered appearance makes it particularly appealing when served in mini Mason jars for individual portions, or elegantly presented in a trifle dish. For a more casual presentation, an 8×8-inch pan works just as well. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, celebrating the Fourth of July, or looking for a delightful addition to a Sunday brunch spread, there’s truly no wrong time for this irresistible banana pudding!

Wide Mouth Mason Jars – Buy Today!

The Princess Cruise Line’s mantra, “Come Back New,” certainly resonated with me. I indeed returned with fresh inspiration, particularly for this delightful banana pudding recipe! If a single dessert could be reason enough to embark on a week-long journey, Planks’ Overboard Banana Pudding would absolutely be it. While I eagerly anticipate my next cruise, I’ll continue to savor this creamy, dreamy dessert at home, letting it transport me to turquoise waters, charming coastal towns, and exciting seaside adventures.

Consider planning your next amazing getaway and experience delicious cuisine firsthand!

More Delicious Banana Recipes to Try

• Dirty Banana Drink
• Bananas Foster
• Banana Oatmeal Cookies
• Starbucks Banana Bread
• Banana Split Poke Cake

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Banana Pudding

Author:
Rebecca Hubbell
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American

Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Cooling Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
57 minutes

Servings:
6 people

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This Banana Pudding Recipe is a classic southern dessert with a from scratch vanilla pudding and layers of fresh banana slices, vanilla wafers, and topped with a fluffy whipped cream!

Ingredients

Pudding

• 1 large egg
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

• 50 to 60 vanilla wafers
• 3 to 4 medium ripe bananas
• mint leaves for garnish

Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
2. Stir in the egg and yolks, and then stir in the milk. Cook uncovered over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
3. Allow the pudding to cool for about 30 minutes, whisking regularly to release trapped heat.

For Individual Jars

4. Add 3 or 4 vanilla wafers to the bottom of each jar.
5. Top the wafers with vanilla pudding, then another layer of wafers.
6. Add the sliced bananas, about 6 or 7 slices per jar, then evenly divide the remaining vanilla pudding over the top of the banana slices.
7. Top with prepared whipped cream and garnish with vanilla wafers, mint, and additional banana slices, if desired.

For Large Pan

8. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
9. Top the wafers with half of the pudding mixture, spreading evenly over them. Top with an additional layer of wafers.
10. Slice the bananas into circles, about 1/8 inch thick, and arrange a layer of banana slices over the wafers.
11. Add the remaining pudding on top of the banana slices and top with prepared whipped cream.

Whipped Cream

12. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a large stainless steel bowl and beat with a hand-mixer until light and fluffy.

Notes

• For a 9×13-inch pan or large trifle dish, double the recipe.
• Banana pudding will last for about 3 days when stored in the refrigerator and NOT cut into. Once cut or exposed to air, the bananas will begin to brown quickly.
• Nutritional information is an estimate based on 6 servings and the use of 4 bananas and 60 wafers.

Nutrition

Calories: 674kcal |
Carbohydrates: 92g |
Protein: 9g |
Fat: 31g |
Saturated Fat: 15g |
Cholesterol: 189mg |
Sodium: 501mg |
Potassium: 489mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 54g |
Vitamin A: 935IU |
Vitamin C: 7.1mg |
Calcium: 137mg |
Iron: 0.8mg