Why You’ll Love This Southern Banana Pudding
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family dinners.
- Classic Comfort: A timeless dessert that brings back fond memories with every bite.
- Creamy and Dreamy: Smooth pudding perfectly complements the soft bananas and crunchy wafers.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this dessert foolproof.
Tools You’ll Need
- Rubber spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch dish or trifle dish
Southern Banana Pudding
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description
Southern Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy wafers, it’s a nostalgic treat perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a little sweetness.
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Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
- Optional: Fresh whipped cream or crushed wafers for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cold milk, and pudding mix until smooth.
- Refrigerate for 5 minutes or until thickened.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mixture until fully combined.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
5. In a 9×13-inch dish, layer the vanilla wafers across the bottom.
6. Top with a layer of banana slices, then spread a layer of pudding over the bananas.
7. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
9. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream or crushed wafers, if desired.
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: Fully ripe bananas with yellow skins and brown spots are sweet and perfect for this dessert.
- Make Ahead: Banana pudding tastes even better when made the day before, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customizable Layers: Add a layer of crushed cookies or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Whipped Cream Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping your own cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Banana pudding doesn’t freeze well due to the texture changes in the bananas and cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use cooked pudding instead of instant?
A: Yes, cooked pudding can be used, but be sure to let it cool completely before layering.
Q2: Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use almond or coconut milk for the pudding and a dairy-free whipped topping.
Q3: What’s the best way to keep bananas from browning?
A: Lightly coat the banana slices with lemon juice to slow browning.
Conclusion: A Sweet Southern Classic!
Southern Banana Pudding is a dessert that’s sure to delight your family and friends. Its creamy texture and sweet, comforting flavors make it a go-to treat for any occasion. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 280
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 12g
Enjoy every bite of this Southern classic—it’s pure dessert perfection!
