Classic Southern Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, separated, divided
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers, divided
• 4 medium bananas, sliced, or more to taste
• 0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 5 tablespoons white sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Prepare the pudding base: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Set aside the egg whites; you'll need them later for the meringue topping.
3. In a heavy saucepan, beat the egg yolks over medium heat. Gradually add the sugar mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the butter, continuing to stir until the pudding reaches a desired consistency, approximately 5 to 7 minutes more.
4. Create the layers: Line the bottom of a baking dish with half of the vanilla wafers. Layer half of the banana slices over the wafers, then cover with half of the prepared pudding. Repeat these layers once more.
5. Prepare the meringue topping: In a clean glass, metal, or ceramic bowl, beat the reserved egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Gently fold in the vanilla extract. Spoon the meringue evenly over the pudding layers, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the meringue is lightly browned and golden, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the banana pudding to cool completely before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

• Calories: 487 kcal
• Fat Content: 13 g
• Fiber Content: 3 g
• Sugar Content: 43 g
• Sodium Content: 342 mg
• Protein Content: 8 g
• Cholesterol Content: 111 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 86 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g