Here’s a rich, creamy Homemade Banana Pudding recipe made completely from scratch — no instant pudding mix. Classic, Southern-style comfort dessert 🍌✨

🍌 Homemade Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

📝 Ingredients

For the Vanilla Pudding:

¾ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Layers:

4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies

Optional Meringue Topping:

3 egg whites
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons granulated sugar

(Or substitute with fresh whipped cream if preferred.)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Pudding

In a saucepan, whisk sugar, flour, and salt.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (8–10 minutes).
Lightly beat egg yolks in a bowl.
Slowly add a few spoonfuls of hot milk mixture into yolks (to temper), whisking constantly.
Pour yolk mixture back into saucepan.
Cook 2–3 more minutes until thick and creamy.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
Let cool slightly (it will thicken more as it cools).

2️⃣ Assemble

In a 2–3 quart baking dish:

Layer vanilla wafers on the bottom.
Add a layer of sliced bananas.
Spoon warm pudding over bananas.
Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.

3️⃣ Choose Your Topping

🍦 Option 1: Whipped Cream (No Bake)

Chill pudding 2–3 hours.
Top with freshly whipped cream before serving.

🔥 Option 2: Classic Baked Meringue

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form.
Spread over warm pudding, sealing edges.
Bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
Cool before serving.

💡 Tips

Use bananas that are ripe but still firm.
To prevent browning, lightly toss banana slices in lemon juice.
Best served after chilling at least 4 hours.
Store refrigerated up to 3 days.

If you’d like, I can also give you a no-bake shortcut version, Paula Deen–style baked version, or a Magnolia Bakery copycat recipe 🍌