Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Thank you so much for being here. Your support means everything, and sharing this nostalgic dessert with you makes my heart so happy. If you’d like this recipe delivered straight to your inbox (along with occasional kitchen tips, like how I manage pantry storage while researching best home insurance rates), be sure to subscribe!

Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

I promised you classic, cozy, and downright irresistible — and here it is. This pudding is layered with a silky homemade custard, sweet bananas, and vanilla wafers that soften into the most tender cake-like texture. Anything but boring!!

And honestly, once you taste this fully homemade version, you’ll wonder why boxed mixes even exist. The warm vanilla aroma bubbling on the stove is as comforting as finally sorting out those mortgage refinancing options you’ve been putting off.

What Does Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Taste Like?

Think soft, ripe bananas enveloped in warm vanilla custard — creamy, rich, and lightly sweet. The wafers become tender, giving each bite that old-school, Southern-potluck nostalgia. Pure comfort.

Benefits of Making Homemade Banana Pudding

• Made from simple, wholesome ingredients
• Perfect for gatherings and family events
• Budget-friendly (even when you’re focusing on things like business liability coverage or other life admin)
• Customizable with spices or different cookies
• Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4–5 ripe bananas
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar

Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
• Hand or stand mixer

Optional Additions & Substitutions

• Swap wafers for shortbread cookies
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
• Use 2% milk or even evaporated milk
• Replace meringue with whipped cream
• Add banana extract for extra flavor

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Pudding (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Make the Custard

Mix flour, salt, and ½ cup sugar in a saucepan. Add milk slowly, whisking until smooth. Cook 8–10 minutes until thick. Remove from heat.

Step 2 — Temper the Eggs

Whisk egg yolks, add warm custard slowly, then return mixture to pan. Cook 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 3 — Layer

In your baking dish, layer wafers → bananas → custard. Repeat.

Step 4 — Make the Meringue

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Add remaining sugar and whip to stiff peaks. Spread over pudding.

Step 5 — Bake

Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, until golden.

Step 6 — Serve

Warm or chilled — truly delicious either way.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

• Southern BBQ
• Fried chicken
• Coffee or sweet tea
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream on top

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Do not freeze — it becomes watery

General Information

• Prep: 20 min
• Cook: 15 min
• Total: 35 min
• Servings: 6–8

Conclusion

Old fashioned banana pudding is one of those desserts that simply feels like home. It’s warm, cozy, creamy, and unbelievably nostalgic — the kind of recipe that deserves a place in your regular rotation. I’m still kicking myself for not photographing it sooner because it’s just that stunning in a glass dish!

If you loved this, check out my other fruit-filled desserts — especially my peach recipes, you’re going to swoon.

Share the Love

Made this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest — I LOVE seeing what you create!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Carbs: 48g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 31g