Mamas Magnificient Southern Banana Pudding

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what heaven tastes like? Well, let me tell you about southern banana pudding . It's a creamy, dreamy dessert. Honestly, it's pure southern comfort in a bowl!

Brief Overview

This classic southern dessert comes straight from grandma's kitchen. It is a taste of old fashioned banana pudding . This banana pudding recipe is easy.

It takes about an hour, including chill time. This recipe makes 8-10 servings.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best part is the taste! It's comforting, familiar, and oh-so-good. Plus, it is the best banana pudding recipe to impress your friends and family.

Perfect for a potluck. It will become your signature dish!

Ready to dive in?

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, y'all ready to make some Southern Banana Pudding ? This is my Grandma's recipe. She always said the secret was in the love.

And good bananas, of course! Seriously, this is the best banana pudding recipe you'll ever try.

Key Ingredients for a Taste of the South

Let's gather our goods. This isn't rocket science, thankfully! You'll need these main ingredients to make the most amazing Southern desserts .

• Granulated sugar : 1 cup (240ml) - The kinda makes the custard sing.
• All-purpose flour : 3 tablespoons (25g) . To thicken the custard up proper.
• Salt : ⅛ teaspoon . Just a pinch to balance the sweet.
• Whole milk : 3 cups (720ml) . Don't skimp; whole milk makes it creamy.
• Large egg yolks : 4 . These are the heart of your homemade custard .
• Unsalted butter : 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds richness and shine.
• Vanilla extract : 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Don't be stingy with the vanilla!.
• Vanilla wafers : 1 (12-ounce) box (about 340g) . Nabisco Nilla Wafers are classic.
• Ripe bananas : 3-4 (about 500g) . They should be ripe, but not mushy.
• Whipped cream : For topping (optional). Cool Whip is fine in a pinch, honestly!.

For the bananas, ripeness is key. You want them yellow with maybe a few brown spots. Not too soft, ya know?.

They should be firm enough to slice without turning to mush. Overripe bananas will just disappear into the pudding. Nobody wants that! This vanilla wafer dessert is a simple joy, and the bananas are key.

Seasoning: Simple Southern Flavors

Now, let's talk flavor. We keep it pretty simple in this old fashioned banana pudding .

• Vanilla : It's the star of the show. Use good quality extract.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg : A sprinkle on top is optional. Adds a little warmth.
• Bourbon (optional) : Want an adult twist? Add a splash to the custard after cooking.

Don't overthink it. This creamy banana pudding is all about the simple flavors coming together. If you like magnolia blossom dessert , this is the closest you'll get in pudding form!.

Essential Equipment

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy dessert recipe . Just the basics:

• Medium saucepan : For cooking the custard.
• Whisk : Essential for smooth custard.
• Mixing bowl : To temper the eggs.
• 9x13 inch baking dish : Or a trifle bowl if you're feeling fancy.
• Plastic wrap : To prevent a skin on the custard.

If you don't have a fancy whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. Just make sure you get all the lumps out.

And honestly, any dish will work. I've seen it made in everything from casserole dishes to disposable aluminum pans.

So, that's it! Gather your ingredients and let's get cooking. This banana pudding recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Let's Make Mama's Magnificient Southern Banana Pudding

Oh my gosh, y'all! We're diving headfirst into Southern desserts today. And not just any dessert, we're talking about Mama's Magnificient Southern Banana Pudding .

It's like sunshine and happiness in a bowl. Honestly, every bite is a trip down memory lane. It is an easy dessert recipe .

Prep Steps: Gettin' Organized Like a Southern Belle

First things first, let's get our mise en place on! Slice up those bananas. Gather your vanilla wafers. We will make a killer homemade custard .

Honestly, it is so important to have everything ready to go. It saves so much time. Make sure you're using ripe, but firm bananas.

Mushy bananas? Ain't nobody got time for that!

Time saving organization ? Totally! Get the wafers out of the box. Line them up like little soldiers. Makes assembly a breeze.

And a quick safety reminder : Watch that custard like a hawk! We don't want any burns, sugar is hot!

step-by-step: Pudding Perfection

Ready to get cookin'?

1. In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
2. Slowly whisk in 3 cups milk. In a bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks. Drizzle some of the warm milk mixture into the yolks slowly, whisking. This is tempering the eggs . Don't skip this step!
3. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens. About 5- 7 minutes .
4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
5. Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic touches the custard. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . This stops that nasty skin from forming.
6. Arrange a layer of wafers in your dish.
7. Top with bananas, then custard.
8. Repeat layers ending with custard.

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours , or overnight. It is worth it.

Pro Tips for Pudding Pros

Want to take your banana pudding recipe to the next level? Here are a few secrets: You know I love the vanilla wafer dessert but some people prefer chessmen cookies.

Also, it is so tempting to overcook the custard. Don't do it! Constant whisking and moderate heat is your friend.

Common mistake to avoid : Using too-ripe bananas. They get mushy and ruin the texture. Mama always said, "Patience, child!" Letting it chill properly is key! The wafers need to soften.

The flavors need to meld. Trust me!

make-ahead options ? Absolutely! Make the custard a day in advance. It is one less thing to worry about. You can make this creamy banana pudding with the wafers.

The Sweetest Ending

And there you have it: Mama's Magnificient Southern Banana Pudding . This old fashioned banana pudding is not just a recipe; it is a hug from the inside out.

A taste of home. A reminder of sweet tea on the porch and fireflies on summer nights. It is the best banana pudding recipe .

What are you waiting for?

This Magnolia blossom dessert makes my mouth water.

Oh I forgot, you can top your dessert with meringue, to make a banana pudding with meringue !

Recipe Notes for Mama's Magnificient Southern Banana Pudding

Alright, y'all, before we dive into this southern banana pudding , let's chat a bit. This isn't just a recipe; it's a hug from the South.

We're talking old fashioned banana pudding , the kind that makes you feel like you're sitting on Grandma's porch swing.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so presentation matters. A creamy banana pudding deserves a pretty plate. I like to layer mine in a trifle bowl, so you can see all those lovely layers of wafers, bananas, and custard.

For a rustic touch, serve individual portions in mason jars. Garnish with extra whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few fresh berries.

And you know what? Serve it with a tall glass of sweet tea or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Oh my gosh.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Y'all

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Keep your vanilla wafer dessert in the fridge, covered tightly, for up to 3 days. Honestly, it's usually gone way before then in my house.

Freezing isn't really recommended; the custard can get a bit weird. To reheat, ain't nothing to do. Just spoon it straight from the fridge.

Variations: Shake Things Up a Bit

Wanna get a little fancy? You could try adding a splash of bourbon to the custard for a boozy twist.

You can also easily swap regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free ones for anyone who wants to. Want a banana pudding recipe that's lower in sugar? Use a sugar substitute in the custard.

Remember to experiment. You know? That's the fun part of cooking.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Sweet Talk

This southern dessert is definitely a treat, so portions matter! Each serving is about 350 calories. There are 6 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat and 55 grams of carbs with 35 grams of sugar.

It's got sugar, let's be honest, mostly from the bananas and sugar in the custard. But hey, a little bit of happiness never hurt nobody.

Just make sure to enjoy it in moderation, like Mama always said. Key health benefits? Well, it's good for the soul!

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to make a homemade custard dream come true. Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own best banana pudding recipe .

Now go on, get cookin', and enjoy every single bite of your Mama's Magnificient Southern Banana Pudding. I swear you'll never buy store-bought pudding again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my southern banana pudding runny?

A runny banana pudding usually means the custard wasn't cooked long enough to thicken properly. Make sure to cook the custard over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Another culprit could be adding too many bananas, which release moisture as they sit.

Stick to the recipe's banana quantities!

Can I make southern banana pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Mama always said it's better the next day. Making it a day ahead allows the vanilla wafers to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out in the fridge. Think of it like a fine wine, it gets better with age...

well, for about 24 hours anyway!

How do I store leftover banana pudding?

Leftover banana pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days, as the bananas will continue to soften and may eventually become mushy. Nobody wants mushy banana pudding; it's just not cricket!

Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

While some folks might consider using Cool Whip a culinary crime, it is an option if you're short on time or prefer a lighter topping. Homemade whipped cream definitely elevates the southern banana pudding and provides a richer flavor.

But if you're in a pinch, Cool Whip won't ruin the experience, it just won't be quite as "bless your heart" good!

What's the best way to keep my bananas from turning brown in the southern banana pudding?

To keep those bananas looking their best, slice them right before assembling the pudding. You can also toss the slices in a little lemon juice or pineapple juice; the acidity helps prevent browning. But honestly, a little browning doesn't affect the taste, and it's usually hidden between the layers anyway.

Don't sweat it too much; even if they brown a little, it'll still be delicious!

My custard is lumpy! How can I fix it?

Lumpy custard can be a real buzzkill! If your custard gets lumpy, try using an immersion blender to smooth it out. You can also pour it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Next time, make sure to whisk constantly and keep the heat at medium to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

A little patience goes a long way!