🍌 Warm Banana Pudding (Southern-Style)
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
Custard
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1/2 cup sugar
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour
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Pinch of salt
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2 cups whole milk
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4 egg yolks (reserve whites if making meringue)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp butter
Assembly
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1 box vanilla wafers
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4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
Optional topping
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Meringue:
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4 egg whites
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1/4 cup sugar
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OR whipped cream (if serving immediately)
⭐ Instructions
1. Make the custard
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
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Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
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In a small bowl, beat egg yolks.
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Slowly pour a bit of the hot milk mixture into the yolks (temper them), whisking constantly.
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Pour yolk mixture back into saucepan.
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Cook 2–3 more minutes until thick, smooth, and pudding-like.
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Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.
2. Assemble
In a 9×9 or similar dish:
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Layer vanilla wafers on the bottom.
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Add a layer of sliced bananas.
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Pour warm custard over the top.
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Repeat layers until everything is used, finishing with custard.
3. Optional: Add meringue topping
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Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
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Slowly add sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
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Spread over assembled pudding, sealing edges.
4. Bake (optional but recommended)
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until meringue is browned or until pudding is warm and bubbling around the edges.
5. Serve
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Serve warm, straight from the oven.
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Top with whipped cream if not using meringue.
💛 Tips & Variations
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Extra warm and gooey: Add pudding to the dish while still hot.
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Super banana flavor: Add 1 mashed banana to the custard.
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Shortcut version: Use 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding + 1/2 cup warm sweetened condensed milk + 1 cup whipped cream — layer and warm gently in the oven.
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Make ahead: Assemble without bananas; add bananas and warm when serving to prevent browning.
If you want, I can also give you a Warm Banana Pudding Cobbler, No-Bake Banana Pudding, or Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares!
