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Classic Southern Banana Pudding Recipe with Fluffy Meringue

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A traditional Southern dessert featuring creamy homemade banana pudding layered with ripe bananas and vanilla wafers, topped with a light, fluffy meringue baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 3 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g), divided
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 45 to 50 vanilla wafers
  • 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 7-10 minutes. Cook for 1 more minute to fully cook the flour.
  2. Beat the 3 egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
  3. Continue cooking the pudding over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens further and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Transfer the pudding to a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a clean bowl, beat the 3 egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until glossy and stiff peaks form.
  6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices, then spread a layer of pudding. Repeat layers, finishing with pudding on top.
  7. Spread the meringue evenly over the top, making sure it touches the edges to seal and prevent shrinking.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and crisp on top.
  9. Let the pudding cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better meringue volume. Spread meringue to edges to prevent shrinking. Gradually add sugar to meringue for glossy finish. Bake meringue until lightly browned; broil last 1-2 minutes if desired but watch carefully. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free wafers. For gluten-free, use gluten-free wafers and flour substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, southern dessert, meringue topping, homemade pudding, classic banana pudding, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://evabake.com/classic-southern-banana-pudding-recipe-with-fluffy-meringue-easy-and-perfect-dessert/