Homemade Southern Banana Pudding
Growing up in the South, some of my fondest memories revolve around the kitchen, where my grandmother would prepare her signature Homemade Southern Banana Pudding. The delightful aroma of vanilla and ripe bananas would fill the air, signaling that a delicious treat was on the way. Recently, I decided to recreate this classic dessert, and it brought back a flood of nostalgic memories.
The process of making Homemade Southern Banana Pudding is both therapeutic and rewarding. The layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers come together to create a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. The crowning glory is the fluffy meringue, baked to a golden perfection, which adds a delightful texture and taste to the pudding.
As I prepared this classic dessert in my own kitchen, I couldn’t help but think of all the family gatherings and special occasions where this banana pudding was the star. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of our family history, a tradition that I’m proud to continue and share with my own family.
If you’ve never made Homemade Southern Banana Pudding, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to delight everyone. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that has been loved for generations. This banana pudding is a testament to the comfort and joy that Southern cooking can bring.
Enjoy making and sharing this Homemade Southern Banana Pudding and create your own cherished memories with this timeless dessert.
Classic Southern Banana Pudding Delight:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 ripe bananas
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup sugar (for meringue)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually stir in milk and cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks slightly. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a 2-quart baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture, starting with wafers and ending with pudding.
5. For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating on high until stiff peaks form.
6. Spread meringue over the pudding, sealing to the edges of the dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Let cool before serving.
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Homemade Southern Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually stir in milk, and cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks slightly. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture, starting with wafers and ending with pudding.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating on high until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the pudding, sealing to the edges of the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the bananas are ripe for the best flavor.
- Tempering the eggs is crucial to avoid scrambling them.
- The meringue should be spread to the edges of the dish to prevent shrinking.
- Let the pudding cool before serving for the best texture.
