Southern Banana Pudding
Layered banana pudding with vanilla wafers and fluffy whipped cream
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 10, 2026
Southern banana pudding is pure nostalgia — layers of homemade vanilla custard, ripe bananas, softened vanilla wafers, and billowy whipped cream.
The homemade custard is what separates this from the instant version. It's rich, eggy, and velvet-smooth.
The wafers soften as they absorb the custard, creating a cake-like texture. Make it a day ahead for the best results.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- 1
Whisk sugar, flour, and egg yolks. Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
- 2
Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool 10 minutes.
- 3
Layer wafers, banana slices, and custard in a trifle bowl. Repeat 3 times.
- 4
Whip cream with powdered sugar to stiff peaks. Spread over the top.
- 5
Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best). Garnish with extra wafers.
