Southern Banana Pudding
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic Southern Banana Pudding. This dessert, layered with creamy custard, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, is not only a staple in Southern kitchens but also a beloved treat for gatherings, family reunions, and potlucks. The creamy texture combined with the fruity freshness of bananas creates a delightful combination that is hard to resist. Let’s dive into the world of Southern Banana Pudding and explore how to make this delectable dessert from scratch!
The Upside of Southern Banana Pudding
Southern Banana Pudding is a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. This dessert is:
- Comforting: The creamy custard and soft bananas evoke feelings of nostalgia.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
- Easy to Customize: You can add your favorite flavors or toppings to make it your own.
- Deliciously Decadent: Rich, creamy, and indulgent, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
What We’re Using
To whip up this delightful Southern Banana Pudding, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard.
- ½ cup (62.5g) all-purpose flour: Thickens the custard.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor.
- 3 cups (854ml) whole milk, divided: Forms the base of the custard.
- 8 egg yolks: Enriches the custard and adds creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon (1.5 teaspoons) vanilla extract: Infuses flavor.
- 11-ounce (311.85g) box vanilla wafers: Provides texture and crunch.
- 6 medium bananas, sliced ½-inch thick: The star fruit of the dish!
- 8 egg whites: Used for the meringue topping.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites when whisked.
- 1 cup (266.67g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the meringue topping.
Equipment Breakdown
Before we start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Medium saucepan: For cooking the custard.
- Whisk: Essential for stirring the custard and whipping egg whites.
- Mixing bowls: For separating egg yolks and whites.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering the pudding.
- Electric mixer: For whipping the egg whites into stiff peaks.
- Rubber spatula: Helps fold ingredients together gently.
Build Southern Banana Pudding Step by Step
Creating Southern Banana Pudding is a beautiful process, and I’m here to guide you through it.
Step 1: Make the Custard
In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, flour, and kosher salt. Gradually add 2 ½ cups of milk, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot custard mixture to the yolks to temper them, then whisk in the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
In your 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the vanilla wafers at the bottom. Follow with half of the sliced bananas, then pour half of the custard over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, and custard.
Step 4: Prepare the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the custard, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pudding for about 10-12 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and meld together beautifully.
Ingredient Flex Options
Southern Banana Pudding can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some options:
- Milk Alternatives: Substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Flavor Additions: Try adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth.
- Fruit Variations: Substitute bananas with strawberries or peaches for a fruity twist.
- Cookie Alternatives: Use graham crackers or chocolate wafers instead of vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile.
Troubles You Can Avoid
To ensure your Southern Banana Pudding turns out perfectly, consider these tips:
- Make sure to whisk the custard continuously while cooking to prevent lumps.
- When tempering the egg yolks, add the hot custard slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites to achieve maximum volume.
- Spread the meringue to the edges of the dish to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Southern Banana Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how to do it:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the custard and assemble the layers, but wait to add the meringue until just before baking for the best texture.
- Storage: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the pudding as the texture may change when thawed.
Southern Banana Pudding Q&A
Can I use other types of milk for the custard?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a different flavor or dietary preference.
How can I prevent my bananas from browning?
To keep your bananas fresh, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before layering them in the pudding.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to stabilize the egg whites.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the custard.
The Last Word
Southern Banana Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition filled with love and memories. Each spoonful takes you back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and the sweet aroma of baked goods wafted through the house. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a holiday dinner, or enjoying it at home, this dessert has a way of bringing people together.
With its layers of creamy custard, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, Southern Banana Pudding is a timeless treat that never goes out of style. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create your own batch of this delicious Southern classic. Your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, flour, and kosher salt. Gradually add 2 ½ cups of milk, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot custard mixture to the yolks to temper them, then whisk in the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- In your 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the vanilla wafers at the bottom. Follow with half of the sliced bananas, then pour half of the custard over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, and custard.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the custard, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pudding for about 10-12 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Whisk the custard continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add hot custard slowly to the yolks to avoid scrambling.
- Ensure bowls and beaters are clean before whipping egg whites.
- Spread meringue to the edges to prevent shrinking while baking.
