🍌 Southern Banana Pudding

Here’s a beloved classic — Southern Banana Pudding — a creamy, dreamy layered dessert with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and homemade vanilla pudding. It’s nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any gathering!

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🍌 Southern Banana Pudding

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: ~4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8–10

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📝 Ingredients:

For the pudding:

• ¾ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 3 large eggs, separated (yolks for pudding, whites for optional meringue)
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter

For assembly:

• 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)
• Optional topping: whipped cream or meringue

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the pudding:

In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and whisk in the milk. Gradually add the egg-milk mixture to the saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly (about 10–12 minutes).
Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool slightly.

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2. Layer the pudding:

In a 2-quart dish (or trifle bowl), layer:

• A layer of vanilla wafers
• A layer of banana slices
• A layer of warm pudding

Repeat layers, finishing with pudding on top. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

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3. Chill:

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows flavors to meld and wafers to soften slightly.

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4. Top it off:

Before serving, top with:

• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
• Or make a classic meringue using the leftover egg whites (beat with sugar until stiff peaks form, then bake briefly on top)

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✅ Tips:

• Use ripe, firm bananas for best texture.
• Want a shortcut? Use instant vanilla pudding mix and whipped topping.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or banana liqueur for a flavor twist.

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🧊 Storage:

• Fridge: Store covered up to 3 days. Best enjoyed within 24–48 hours for freshest bananas.
• Freezing not recommended — the texture will break down.