Grandma Bettys Authentic Southern Banana Pudding

Recipe Introduction

Ever had a craving that just wouldn't quit? Honestly, for me, it's almost always for something sweet. This banana pudding southern recipe is my ultimate go-to.

It's got that perfect creamy, vanilla wafer pudding sweetness. It's like a warm hug from your grandma.

A Taste of the South

This classic southern desserts is a true staple. It's been passed down through generations. You know, that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of thing.

My version is easy peasy. It only takes about 35 minutes to prep, plus some chilling time. It makes enough for about 8-10 servings perfect for sharing.

Or, you know, not sharing!

Why This Pudding Rocks

One of the best things? Bananas! They're packed with potassium. Plus, this creamy banana dessert is the perfect dish for a summer barbecue.

Or any gathering, really. What makes this homemade banana pudding so special is that rich vanilla wafer pudding . I have tested several banana pudding variations before perfecting this one.

Now it is time for you to enjoy!

Is It Really Easy?

It is easy banana pudding recipe for real, and that's a promise. The custard can be a teensy bit tricky.

But hey, you can totally cheat with instant pudding. Don't tell anyone I said that! It's all about layers of goodness.

You can even ditch the meringue on top and use whipped cream or cool whip for an easy banana pudding recipe .

Let's Get Started!

I know I am excited. You are excited. What are you waiting for? It is finally time to make the best banana pudding you will ever eat! Let's dive into the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Banana Pudding

Alright, lets talk about what you'll need to nail this Southern banana pudding recipe . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. Don't stress! We're making banana pudding southern style simple, comforting, and unbelievably tasty.

Main Ingredients for the Classic Southern Desserts

• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (240 ml) .
• Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons (25 g) . This is what thickens our dreamy custard.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) .
• Whole Milk: 3 cups (720 ml) . You can use 2%, but honestly, whole milk makes it extra creamy.
• Egg Yolks: 4 large . These add richness and that lovely yellow colour.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
• Vanilla Wafers: 1 (12 ounce/340g) box . Nilla Wafers are the classic choice!
• Ripe Bananas: 4-5 medium . They should be ripe, but not mushy!
• Egg Whites: 4 large (for meringue)
• Cream of Tartar: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (for meringue)
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (120 ml) (for meringue)

For the bananas, the key is ripeness. You want them sweet, but still firm enough to hold their shape. Avoid the ones that are already turning brown.

Oh, and a little trick my grandma taught me? Toss the sliced bananas with a tiny bit of lemon juice to stop them from browning.

Trust me, it works wonders!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Vanilla is the star here, but don't underestimate a pinch of salt! It enhances the sweetness. If you're feeling fancy, a splash of bourbon or rum in the custard adds a lovely kick.

Just a little though. It's still homemade banana pudding after all. This is not banana pudding with meringue , or any kind of experimental recipe.

Essential Equipment for Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

• Medium Saucepan: If you're making the custard from scratch.
• Whisk: For smooth custard, no lumps allowed!
• Large Bowl or Trifle Dish: For layering all that goodness.
• Electric Mixer: For meringue or whipped cream (optional).
• Rubber Spatula: To scrape every last bit of custard.

You don't need a ton of fancy equipment. A bowl and a whisk can get you pretty far. If you don't have a trifle dish, any large bowl will do.

Honestly, the most important thing is a big spoon for when it's ready! We're going for that creamy best banana pudding consistency.

Don't skip it!

Alright, let's dive into Grandma Betty's Authentic Banana Pudding Southern recipe! It's seriously the best banana pudding . I swear, this banana pudding southern recipe will transport you straight to a lazy Sunday afternoon in the South.

Imagine fluffy meringue, sweet bananas, and creamy custard. Honestly, is there anything better?

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key

First, get everything ready. Like, everything . It is the essential mise en place. Slice your bananas. Have your wafers ready.

If you're feeling ambitious, make that custard from scratch. And remember, a little lemon juice on those bananas keeps them from turning brown! Tip : This saves you from frantic searching later.

Also, remember to wash your hands.

Let's Get Cooking: Banana Pudding From Scratch

Here is your easy banana pudding recipe

1. Custard Time: If you're going old school, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a pan. Then, slowly stir in milk and egg yolks. Cook until thick! Important : Keep stirring!
2. Layer It Up: Now comes the fun part. Lay vanilla wafers in your dish. Then bananas. Top with custard. Repeat!
3. Meringue Magic (Optional): If you are feeling fancy, preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar till peaks form. Add sugar slowly. Then, bake for 12- 15 minutes until golden.
4. Chill Out: This is crucial. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours , or better, overnight. Trust me you have to be patient.

Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Vanilla Wafer Pudding

Want to take your banana pudding variations up a notch? Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard.

Also, prevent a skin from forming on your custard by covering it with plastic wrap. Want an even easier approach? Ditch the meringue and go for whipped cream, but don't over whip it .

Avoiding The Pudding Faux Pas

You know, the most common mistake? Overripe bananas! Also, don't skip the chilling. The flavors need time to meld. Honestly, the chilling is what separates good and the best banana pudding .

You know what? Homemade banana pudding is a labor of love. So enjoy the process. Soon, you'll have a taste of classic southern desserts that everyone will rave about! Get ready for a creamy banana dessert experience.

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this banana pudding southern recipe is all about the love. My Grandma Betty always said, "The secret ingredient is patience.

" And she was right! So, let's dive into some notes to make sure yours turns out perfect.

Serving It Up Right

For presentation, think layers! I love using a trifle dish so everyone can see the vanilla wafer pudding and banana goodness.

Top it with a generous layer of meringue, if you are using. If not, whipped cream looks amazing. Want to go the extra mile? A few extra vanilla wafers on top never hurt anyone.

For sides, a glass of sweet tea is classic . Or, if you want something a bit richer, iced coffee works too. This creamy banana dessert is perfect on its own, though!

Storage Secrets

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. Honestly, it probably won't last that long! Freezing isn't really recommended; the texture gets a bit weird.

But, if you must, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

When reheating, just give it a gentle stir if the custard has separated a bit.

Switching Things Up

Want to make it a bit different? For a gluten-free version, grab some gluten-free vanilla wafers. Easy peasy! For a lighter version of this homemade banana pudding , use skim milk in the custard.

The banana pudding with meringue is also a great option for an elegant dessert.

Got some fresh strawberries? Throw them in! Seasonal swaps like that can make it really special.

Nutrition Snapshot

Okay, so this classic southern dessert isn't exactly a health food. A serving packs about 350-450 calories. But hey, it's a treat! You do get a little bit of protein (6-8g) and fiber (2-3g) from the bananas and wafers.

But, let's be real, the main benefit is pure happiness! Remember to use ripe, but not overly ripe bananas. One thing I wish I had know before attempting my first southern banana pudding recipe was to prevent bananas from browning by tossing banana slices with a little lemon juice.

So there you have it! You are totally ready to create the best banana pudding . Enjoy every bite of this easy banana pudding recipe , and remember, cooking is all about having fun.

Now go ahead and wow your friends and family with this amazing banana pudding from scratch !

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to preventing my bananas from turning brown in my banana pudding southern?

Ah, the age-old banana dilemma! The trick is to toss your sliced bananas with a little lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering them into the pudding. The acidity helps prevent oxidation, keeping those bananas looking as fresh as a daisy. Think of it like giving them a little "spa treatment" to keep them perky!

Can I make this banana pudding southern ahead of time? How long will it last in the fridge?

Absolutely! In fact, making this Southern banana pudding ahead of time is highly recommended it gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully, like a fine wine improving with age. You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance.

Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any weird fridge smells, because nobody wants that, right?

My custard is lumpy! How do I get a smooth texture for my banana pudding southern?

Lumpy custard can be a real drag, like a rainy bank holiday. The key is to whisk, whisk, whisk! Make sure you're whisking constantly while the custard is cooking on medium heat. This prevents the cornstarch from clumping.

If lumps do form, you can try pushing the custard through a fine mesh sieve for a silky smooth finish. Alternatively, using instant pudding mix removes this problem entirely.

Meringue seems scary! Can I use whipped cream instead for my banana pudding southern?

Meringue can be a bit intimidating, like trying to parallel park in central London, but don't let it scare you off! If you're not feeling up to meringue, whipped cream (or even Cool Whip, no judgement!) is a perfectly acceptable substitute.

Just whip some heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, and you're good to go! It gives the pudding a lovely, light finish.

Can I use different types of cookies instead of vanilla wafers in my southern banana pudding?

Variety is the spice of life, isn't it? While vanilla wafers are the traditional choice, you can definitely experiment with other cookies! Shortbread cookies, Chessmen cookies, or even ladyfingers can all be delicious alternatives.

Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness will vary, so choose a cookie that complements the other flavors in the pudding.

Is there a way to make this banana pudding southern a bit healthier?

While this dessert is traditionally decadent, you can make a few tweaks to lighten it up. Use skim milk in the custard (though it won't be as rich), reduce the sugar slightly, or use a lighter whipped topping. You can also increase the amount of bananas to add more natural sweetness and fiber.

Remember, though, it's still a treat, so enjoy in moderation!