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Creamy Southern Banana Pudding Recipe with Fluffy Meringue Topping Made Easy

creamy southern banana pudding - featured image

A creamy Southern banana pudding topped with a fluffy, toasted meringue that offers a perfect balance of sweet pudding and airy texture. This comforting dessert is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium ripe bananas, sliced evenly
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice 4 ripe bananas evenly (about 1/4-inch thick). Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk, ensuring no lumps.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat 4 egg yolks. Gradually whisk about 1 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks to temper them.
  5. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Optionally strain pudding through a fine-mesh sieve. Let cool about 10 minutes.
  7. In an 8×8 inch baking dish, layer half the sliced bananas evenly. Pour half the pudding over bananas. Repeat with remaining bananas and pudding. Smooth the top.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a clean, dry bowl, beat 4 egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  9. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
  10. Spread meringue over pudding, sealing edges to sides of dish to prevent shrinking.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes until meringue is golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  12. Let pudding cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for best meringue results. Seal meringue edges to prevent shrinking. If meringue browns too quickly, tent with foil. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan meringue substitute like aquafaba. Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour but texture may vary. Let pudding cool fully to set properly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, southern dessert, meringue topping, creamy pudding, easy banana pudding, homemade dessert