Desserts

Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

Layers of custard-soaked vanilla wafers and fresh bananas topped with toasted meringue peaks — the dessert that empties the pan before anyone asks for seconds at Black American gatherings and celebrations.

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Banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers and topped with toasted meringue

Prep time

25 min

Cook time

20 min

Total time

45 min plus cooling

Servings

10

Ingredients

Custard

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly

  • 1 box vanilla wafers
  • 5–6 ripe but firm bananas, sliced

Meringue

  • 3 large egg whites
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. 2

    Whisk ¾ cup sugar, flour and salt in a saucepan.

  3. 3

    In another bowl, whisk egg yolks and milk.

  4. 4

    Gradually whisk milk mixture into dry ingredients.

  5. 5

    Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custard thickens and reaches 160°F.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

  7. 7

    Arrange vanilla wafers in bottom of a 2-quart baking dish.

  8. 8

    Add sliced bananas followed by warm custard.

  9. 9

    Repeat layers, finishing with custard.

  10. 10

    Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add ¼ cup sugar and continue beating until glossy stiff peaks form. Add vanilla.

  11. 11

    Spread meringue completely over warm pudding, sealing to edges.

  12. 12

    Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.

  13. 13

    Cool before serving and refrigerate if not serving promptly.

Heritage Kitchen Tips

  • Use ripe but firm bananas. Very soft bananas can become watery.
  • Seal the meringue to the edges of the dish so it does not shrink away as it bakes.

Storage and reheating

Cover and refrigerate. Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.

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