This Old Fashioned Banana Pudding balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding captures the essence of desserts|puddings & mousses while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Old Fashioned Banana Pudding becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 12 oz can evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅛ tsp salt
6 large egg yolks reserve egg whites
2 ⅓ cup half & half
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 11 oz box vanilla wafers
4 medium bananas sliced
Meringue
6 reserved egg whites
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp cream of tarter
6 Tbsp granulated sugar
How To Make Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, flour and salt until dissolved.
On the stove top in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-high, warm the evaporated milk mixture.
In the same mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the half & half. Whisk into the warmed evaporated milk mixture.
Cook stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes over medium heat until the flour has cooked and the custard has thickened. Once thickened remove from the heat and whisk in 2 Tbsp of butter and 1 Tbsp of pure vanilla. Set aside
Layer the bottom of a 7 x 11-inch oven safe dish with vanilla wafers. Top with banana slices. Cover with ½ of the custard. Repeat ending with custard.
Whip the 6 reserved egg whites with the vanilla, and cream of tarter. Sweeten with granulated sugar.
Whip for 3-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue on top of the banana pudding.
Set the oven to broil to toast the top until golden.
Garnish the edge with vanilla wafers, if desired.
Store chilled.
PREPARATION STEPS
Cook stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes over medium heat until the flour has cooked and the custard has thickened
Once thickened remove from the heat and whisk in 2 Tbsp of butter and 1 Tbsp of pure vanilla
Set aside
6 large egg yolks reserve egg whites
How To Make Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, flour and salt until dissolved.
On the stove top in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-high, warm the evaporated milk mixture.
In the same mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the half & half. Whisk into the warmed evaporated milk mixture.
Layer the bottom of a 7 x 11-inch oven safe dish with vanilla wafers. Top with banana slices. Cover with ½ of the custard. Repeat ending with custard.
Whip the 6 reserved egg whites with the vanilla, and cream of tarter. Sweeten with granulated sugar.
Whip for 3-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue on top of the banana pudding.
Set the oven to broil to toast the top until golden.
Garnish the edge with vanilla wafers, if desired.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.