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A serving of classic Southern banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers.

Southern Banana Pudding

This classic Southern Banana Pudding recipe is made with layers of Nilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a rich, creamy vanilla custard, all topped with a fluffy meringue.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pudding
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1.5 cups cold water
  • 5.1 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 12 ounces vanilla wafers
  • 5 ripe bananas sliced
  • whipped cream for topping (optional)

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • refrigerator
  • separate bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • plastic wrap or foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and cold water, whisking until well combined.
  2. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the milk mixture and whisk for 2 minutes, or until the pudding starts to thicken. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to allow it to set further.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until no streaks remain.
Assembling the Pudding
  1. Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Top the wafer layer with a layer of sliced bananas.
  3. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
  4. Repeat the layers: vanilla wafers, bananas, and the remaining pudding mixture.
  5. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld.
Serving
  1. Before serving, you can top the pudding with additional whipped cream and a few extra vanilla wafers or banana slices for garnish.

Notes

For an extra touch, you can lightly toast the vanilla wafers before layering to add a slightly nutty flavor. Ensure bananas are ripe but firm; overripe bananas can make the pudding watery. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and often improves in flavor the next day!