Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding – Creamy Southern Classic

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is the kind of timeless dessert that never goes out of style. With layers of rich vanilla custard, fresh banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers that soften into cake-like perfection, this Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Made completely from scratch, this recipe skips the boxed pudding mix and creates a thick, silky custard the traditional way. The result is a dessert that tastes richer, fresher, and far more flavorful than anything store-bought.

I remember the first time I made Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding for a family gathering. I worried it might not set properly or that it wouldn't taste like the version I grew up with. However, once it chilled overnight and we dug in the next day, the layers had fused together beautifully. The wafers were perfectly softened, the bananas were creamy, and the custard was smooth and decadent. It disappeared faster than any dessert on the table.

Classic banana pudding made from scratch with layers of vanilla custard, bananas, and vanilla wafers.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 221

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 box vanilla wafers (8 oz)
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced

Equipment

• saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• 8×8 baking pan

Method

 

1. Combine sugar, flour, and salt in saucepan. Whisk in milk and cook until thickened and bubbly.
2. Temper eggs with hot mixture, then return to saucepan and cook until gentle boil begins.
3. Stir in vanilla and cool 15 minutes.
4. Layer wafers, bananas, and pudding in 8×8 pan. Repeat layers.
5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 132mgPotassium: 377mgFiber: 2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 275IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill overnight for best results. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Why This Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Is the Best

Made Completely From Scratch

Many recipes rely on instant pudding mix. However, this Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding uses a stovetop custard made with sugar, flour, milk, eggs, and vanilla.

Cooking the custard slowly ensures:

• Proper thickening
• Rich vanilla flavor
• Smooth texture
• No artificial aftertaste

Because you control every ingredient, the final result tastes homemade in the best possible way.

Perfect Texture and Flavor

The key to incredible Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding lies in the balance of textures:

• Silky custard
• Softened vanilla wafers
• Fresh banana slices

As it chills, the wafers absorb moisture and soften into tender layers. Meanwhile, the bananas infuse subtle sweetness throughout the dessert.

Ingredients You'll Need

This Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding requires simple pantry staples:

• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 box vanilla wafers (about 8 oz)
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced

Using ripe bananas ensures maximum flavor and sweetness.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk in the milk gradually to prevent lumps.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once thickened and bubbly, reduce heat and cook for 2 additional minutes.

Do not rush this process. Proper thickening ensures the pudding sets correctly.

Step 2: Temper the Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.

Add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the eggs while whisking. This step prevents scrambling.

Then return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook until a gentle boil begins. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Allow the custard to cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

In an ungreased 8×8 pan:

1. Arrange vanilla wafers on the bottom.
2. Add half the banana slices.
3. Pour half the pudding mixture over the top.

Repeat layers once more, ending with pudding.

Step 4: Chill

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is ideal for the best Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding texture.

Before serving, crush additional wafers on top and add fresh banana slices if desired.

Storage Tips

Store Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of the custard may become watery once thawed.

For best appearance, add fresh banana slices on top just before serving to prevent browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding tastes even better when chilled overnight.

2. Why didn't my pudding set?
The custard likely did not cook long enough. It should be thick before layering.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can reduce sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting texture significantly.

4. Can I substitute the wafers?
Yes. Graham crackers or ladyfingers work well.

5. Can I add whipped cream?
Absolutely. A layer of whipped cream or even meringue adds extra richness.

Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

• Cook custard slowly to avoid scorching.
• Always temper eggs to prevent curdling.
• Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
• Chill thoroughly for proper layering.
• Add toppings just before serving.

Following these steps guarantees a creamy, classic Southern-style dessert.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding brings together tradition, comfort, and simple ingredients in one unforgettable dessert. Because it's made from scratch, it delivers deep vanilla flavor and creamy texture that boxed mixes simply can't match.

Whether you're preparing it for a holiday, picnic, or Sunday dinner, this Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding will quickly become a go-to family favorite.