Name: Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 box vanilla wafers; 3 cups whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 3 egg yolks; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; Optional topping: whipped cream or meringue

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert I love for its creamy layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and soft vanilla wafers. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m making it for a family gathering or just indulging in a little homey sweetness, this pudding never fails to deliver that old-school charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich custard and light banana flavor. The layers of cookies, bananas, and homemade pudding come together in a way that feels both comforting and special. It’s make-ahead friendly, always gets rave reviews, and tastes even better after chilling overnight. It’s simple, yet incredibly satisfying — and just the kind of dessert I like to come back to again and again. Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe bananas (sliced)
Vanilla wafers
Whole milk
Granulated sugar
Egg yolks
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Salt
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Optional topping: whipped cream or meringue

Directions

In a saucepan, I combine sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. I whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
In a small bowl, I beat the egg yolks. I slowly whisk in a bit of the hot pudding mixture to temper them, then pour the yolks back into the saucepan and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
I remove the saucepan from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
In a serving dish or trifle bowl, I layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and warm pudding. I repeat the layers until everything is used, finishing with pudding on top.
I cover and chill the pudding for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor. Just before serving, I top it with whipped cream or meringue if I want an extra treat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes around 20 minutes to prep and cook the pudding, plus at least 4 hours to chill before serving.

Variations

I’ve made it with homemade whipped cream folded into the pudding for an extra fluffy texture.
Crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies work well instead of vanilla wafers.
I sometimes add a layer of peanut butter or chocolate spread between the bananas and pudding.
For a lighter version, I use low-fat milk and skip the topping.
I’ve made individual servings in mason jars or small ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Storage/Reheating

I store the banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bananas may darken slightly over time, but the flavor stays delicious. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture changes once thawed. I serve it chilled — no reheating needed. Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

FAQs

Can I use instant pudding mix?

Yes — I’ve made a quick version using instant vanilla pudding, milk, and whipped topping, but the homemade version has a deeper, richer flavor.

How do I keep bananas from turning brown?

I slice them just before layering and sometimes toss them in a little lemon juice to slow browning.

Can I make this a day ahead?

Absolutely. I often make it the night before and let it chill overnight. The flavors blend beautifully and the texture firms up nicely.

What kind of dish should I use?

I use a deep glass dish, trifle bowl, or even a 9×13 baking dish depending on how I want to serve it. Clear dishes show off the layers beautifully.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes — I’ve used almond and oat milk before. The pudding still sets well, though the texture can vary slightly depending on the brand.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is one of those timeless desserts that brings back memories and always feels like home. With its creamy, sweet layers and soft vanilla flavor, it’s the kind of treat I can enjoy year-round — especially when I want something classic, easy, and absolutely delicious.