• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Cookin Chicks
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About Me
    • Recipe Index
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Sweets

    Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

    Published: Apr 5, 2023 by Kristin 5 Comments

    FacebookTweetPinYummlyEmail
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding from scratch is a quick and easy dessert. Rich and creamy vanilla pudding, combined with layers of crunchy vanilla wafers and perfectly ripe bananas. Easy to assemble and packed with flavor, this is a favorite at any gathering, potluck, picnic, or Holiday! Also try my Shortcut Banana Pudding Poke Cake for another banana dessert option!

    banana pudding made entirely from scratch and served with crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices on top

    The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe

     Creamy, flavorful, and downright amazing! This pudding is a Southern classic recipe and after one bite, you’ll understand why. The texture is spot on, just the right consistency. With layers of sweet vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and this pudding in every bite, you can’t go wrong. Plus, using only a few simple ingredients, you may never want to go back to the days of pudding mix! Make this ahead of time and allow to chill overnight so the flavors can all fuse together! Yum!

    What is banana pudding?

    Banana pudding is a pudding generally consisting of layers of sweet vanilla flavored custard, vanilla wafers and/or ladyfingers and sliced fresh bananas placed in a dish and served, topped with whipped cream or meringue.

    The first mention of banana pudding seems to be from 1878 in a New York Times column called “Information Wanted.” As Robert Moss wrote in his article for Serious Eats, the first recipe appears to be from Good Housekeeping in 1888.

    Since then, it has quickly become a Southern favorite recipe that is often served at parties, picnics, potlucks, and any Holidays! Creamy, refreshing, and flavor packed!

    homemade banana pudding with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas

    Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Ingredients

    Just a few simple ingredients are needed for this recipe. See printable recipe card below for exact measurements and step by step directions.

    • Sugar
    • Flour- feel free to use gluten free flour if preferred
    • Salt
    • Milk
    • Eggs
    • Vanilla Extract- pure, not imitation
    • Vanilla Wafers- you can also use lady fingers if desired
    • Bananas- sliced, fresh is best

    crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices over homemade banana pudding

    How to make Banana Pudding from Scratch

    1. In a saucepan, mix the sugar, flour, and salt.
    2. Whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat.
    3. Allow to cook until thickened and bubbly.
    4. Reduce heat to low and cook an additional 2 minutes.
    5. Remove from heat.
    6. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs.
    7. Add in a small amount of the hot mixture to the eggs and mix.
    8. Add egg mixture to hot mixture and return to heat.
    9. Heat until a gentle boil starts, cook for about 2 minutes.
    10. Add in vanilla and remove from heat.
    11. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
    12. In an ungreased 8-inch square pan, layer about 25 vanillas wafers on bottom, followed by half of the banana slices.
    13. Pour half the pudding mixture on top. Follow layers one more time, ending with pudding layer.
    14. Cover dish with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Allow to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.
    15. Prior to serving, crush remaining wafers on top of pudding. Serve cold!

    old fashioned, from scratch banana pudding served on a plate

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are the answers to the most popular questions I get asked!

    Can Banana Pudding Be Made the Night Before?

    Yes, in fact, that is probably best as that will allow all the flavors to really fuse together. If making the night before, simply omit placing the fresh banana slices on top and place pan covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator, uncover, and place fresh banana slices on top. You can also omit the crushed vanilla wafers from the top when chilling and place on top just before serving for an added crunch.

    How Long Is Homemade Pudding Good For?

    Homemade Banana Pudding, when covered and refrigerated, will last in for about 4 days.

    How do I keep bananas from browning in banana pudding?

    The bananas in the layers won’t brown since they’re not directly exposed to the air, but the Nilla Wafers will soften over time. The bananas on top will brown after a bit, which is why its best to place on top just prior to serving. Of course, browned bananas are not bad for you and do not taste any different, but won’t be as pretty as a look.

    How to store Banana Pudding

    Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Although you CAN, I do not recommend freezing this as it will lose the texture and consistency once thawed. Serve and enjoy within 4 days for best flavor/results.

    Variations

    • Omit the Banana- yes, you read that right! If you can’t have bananas due to allergies, preference, or health issues, simply omit! You’ll get a vanilla pudding treat that is still quick, easy, and delicious!
    • Add Whipped Cream- for an added boost in flavor, you can spread a layer of whipped cream or even make a meringue topping before placing the crushed Nilla wafers and banana slices on top.
    • Graham Crackers work in place of Vanilla Wafers or Lady Fingers.
    • Boxed Vanilla Pudding- if you are short on time and don’t want to make homemade pudding, feel free to use boxed vanilla pudding and layer it with the Vanilla Wafers and fresh banana slices.

    refreshing pudding on a plate

    Tips for the best Southern Banana Pudding

    • Use Nilla Wafers for the best flavor. I have tried using store-brand, lady fingers, and more and each and every time, I always go back to Nabisco Nilla Wafers. SO yummy!
    • Feel free to serve warm as that is another classic way to serve this pudding. I prefer mine chilled so it can fully set up, soften the layers together, and fuse the flavors, but warm works great too!
    • A fun way to serve this banana pudding is to layer it in a trifle bowl or serve the banana pudding in small jars.
    • Use ripe bananas, if they aren’t ripe, the flavor won’t be as strong and the texture is a bit more firm.
    • You can reduce sugar by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer things not as sweet.
    • Don’t rush the thickening process! Trust me on this one, I have burned many of batches trying to cut time and I ended up having to start over due to burning/scorching the milk. Go slow, it will be well worth it, I promise!
    • Make sure you add a little of the warm mixture to the eggs prior to adding eggs in. You don’t want to deal with scrambled eggs in this pudding. You want this step, so it brings the temperature up slowly.
    • Don’t add fresh slices of banana until just ready to serve. Although this step is optional, be sure to add just before as no one likes the look of brown banana slices on this, right?!

    More banana recipes to try:

    Banana Pudding Poke Cake

    Incredible Banana Coffee Cake

    Banana Bread

    No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake

    Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread

    banana pudding made entirely from scratch and served with crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices on top
    Print Recipe
    4.60 from 5 votes

    Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding

    This Banana Pudding is made from scratch, packed with flavor, and a perfect dessert to enjoy year round! Layers of Vanilla Wafers, banana slices, and vanilla pudding...what's not to love??
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Chill Time4 hours hrs
    Total Time4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: banana pudding, homemade banana pudding, southern pudding
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 221kcal
    Author: The Cookin' Chicks

    Equipment

    • Sauce Pan
    • Mixing Bowls
    • 8x8 baking pan

    Ingredients

    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 3 cups milk
    • 3 eggs
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 box Vanilla wafers *about 8 oz.
    • 4 bananas, sliced

    Instructions

    • In a saucepan, mix the sugar, flour, and salt.
    • Whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat.
    • Allow to cook until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low and cook an additional 2 minutes.
    • Remove from heat.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs.
    • Add in a small amount of the hot mixture to the eggs and mix.
    • Add egg mixture to hot mixture and return to heat. Heat until a gentle boil starts, cook for about 2 minutes.
    • Add in vanilla and remove from heat. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
    • In an ungreased 8 inch square pan, layer about 25 vanillas wafers on bottom, followed by half of the banana slices.
    • Pour half the pudding mixture on top. Follow layers one more time, ending with pudding layer.
    • Cover dish with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Allow to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.
    • Prior to serving, crush remaining wafers on top of pudding. Serve cold!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

     

     

     

    More Sweets

    • Old-Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake
    • fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a biscuit topping combined into peach cobbler
      Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
    • Chunky Monkey Brownies
    • a stack of cookies next to a jif jar of peanut butter
      Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
    FacebookTweetPinYummlyEmail

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Melt in your Mouth Chicken Bake
    • Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shots
    • BEST EVER Chicken and Rice Casserole
    • Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole

    Casserole recipes

    • Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole
    • BEST EVER Chicken and Rice Casserole
    • Parmesan Chicken Casserole
    • an up close view of biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole
      Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

    check out all casseroles

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Choose Category

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Contributors
    • Privacy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 The Cookin Chicks

    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!