Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is a southern dessert with creamy, dreamy layers of vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and soft, buttery vanilla wafers, perfect for both special occasions and casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this classic old-fashioned banana pudding recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that create a rich, flavorful dessert. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Vanilla Wafers – These crispy, round cookies are a quintessential part of banana pudding, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy custard. They are the base of the layers, soaking up the pudding while maintaining a slight crunch.
• Bananas – Fresh, ripe bananas are a must. They should be slightly soft and sweet, but not overly ripe. They will become a soft, sweet layer in the pudding, enhancing the texture and flavor.
• Eggs – The eggs in the custard help thicken the mixture, giving the pudding that luscious, velvety texture that everyone loves.
• Whole Milk – Whole milk adds richness and creaminess to the custard. It helps create a smooth, full-bodied flavor.
• Sugar – Sweetens the custard base and balances the slight tartness of the bananas.
• Vanilla Extract – For that classic vanilla flavor, the extract is essential in both the custard and the overall dish.
• Butter – A little bit of butter gives the pudding an extra creamy texture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Cornstarch – To thicken the custard without the use of flour, cornstarch is an excellent option. It helps create a perfectly smooth custard without clumps.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

• Banana Selection: Choose bananas that are ripe but not overripe. Overripe bananas will turn mushy too quickly and lose their texture in the pudding. Slightly firm bananas with a few brown spots are ideal.
• Prevent Browning Bananas: If you’re concerned about the bananas turning brown, you can lightly toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water before layering them in the pudding. This helps preserve their color.
• Whisk Consistently: When making the custard, whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure smoothness. If you notice any lumps, you can use an immersion blender to smooth them out.
• Use Real Vanilla: Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Artificial vanilla can give the pudding a synthetic taste.
• Make It Ahead: Banana pudding is even better when made ahead of time. The vanilla wafers soak up the custard, making them soft and chewy, which adds to the flavor. Let the pudding sit in the fridge for several hours before serving to let all the ingredients meld together.

Variations of Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

While the classic version of banana pudding is always a hit, there are a few fun variations you can try to put your spin on this beloved dessert.

• Chocolate Banana Pudding: For a chocolate twist, add a layer of chocolate pudding or mix cocoa powder into the custard for a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
• Banana Pudding Parfaits: Instead of serving in one large dish, layer the pudding into individual jars or glasses. This makes it a great option for parties, as guests can enjoy their own personal servings.
• Banana Pudding with Meringue: For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, top your banana pudding with a fluffy meringue instead of vanilla wafers. Bake the meringue until golden brown for a beautiful, airy finish.
• Vegan Banana Pudding: To make a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk and swap the butter with coconut oil. For the eggs, use a cornstarch or agar-agar mixture as a thickening agent.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Banana pudding can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your occasion or preference.

• Family-style: Serve the pudding in a large trifle dish or glass bowl so everyone can dig in with a spoon.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the pudding in small mason jars, cups, or parfait glasses. It’s also an ideal way to control portions at events or parties.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your banana pudding adds a creamy, airy texture that complements the richness of the custard.

How to Store Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is best enjoyed within a few days of making it, but if you have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain its flavor and texture.

• Refrigeration: Always store banana pudding in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for 2 to 3 days, but the bananas may start to brown and soften over time.
• Freezing: Freezing banana pudding is not recommended as the texture of the custard and bananas can change. However, you can freeze the pudding without the bananas, and then add fresh banana slices when serving.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use instant vanilla pudding mix instead of making custard from scratch? Yes, you can use instant vanilla pudding mix for a quicker version of banana pudding. Just follow the package instructions for preparing the pudding and layer it with the bananas and wafers as you would with the homemade custard.

Can I make banana pudding ahead of time? Yes! In fact, banana pudding tastes better after it has had time to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the vanilla wafers to soften and soak up the custard, making for a more flavorful dessert.

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of vanilla wafers? While vanilla wafers are the traditional choice, you can use other cookies such as graham crackers, shortbread, or even ginger snaps for a different twist. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Why is my banana pudding runny? If your banana pudding is runny, it may not have been cooked long enough to thicken properly. Be sure to cook the custard over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it reaches a pudding-like consistency. If needed, you can thicken it with a little more cornstarch dissolved in milk.

Banana pudding is one of those recipes that never goes out of style and is loved by everyone who tastes it. Whether you’re keeping things classic or experimenting with new variations, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, make some delicious homemade pudding, and enjoy this nostalgic treat with family and friends!

Try other pudding recipes:

• Figgy Pudding
• Magnolia Banana Pudding
• Sticky Toffee Pudding