
Why Make This Recipe
Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy to the table. It’s creamy, sweet, and has a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The delicious layers of pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers are sure to make any gathering special. Plus, making banana pudding from scratch is surprisingly easy. You can enjoy this delightful treat with your family and friends, making it even more memorable.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- whipped cream (optional for topping)
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat until it thickens.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a bit of the hot milk mixture to the yolks to temper them, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding
Serve the banana pudding chilled. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and a little more sweetness. It can be presented in individual cups or scooped from a larger serving dish.
How to Store Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding
To store leftover banana pudding, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the bananas may brown over time.
Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Make sure to whisk the mixture constantly to avoid lumps.
- Feel free to customize by adding more layers of bananas or wafers.
- If you like a thicker pudding, cook it a bit longer until it’s your preferred consistency.

Serving Ideas
Serve your Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding as a delightful dessert after dinner or during family gatherings. It pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. You can also enjoy it as a sweet snack during the day!
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is a timeless dessert that is simple to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you are making it for a celebration or just for a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant pudding instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use instant pudding if you need a quicker option. However, the taste and texture of homemade pudding are much richer.
2. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
To prevent browning, you can toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the pudding.
3. Is it possible to make banana pudding a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious. Just ensure you cover it well when storing it in the refrigerator.

Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, creamy dessert featuring layers of pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- whipped cream (optional for topping)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat until it thickens.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a bit of the hot milk mixture to the yolks to temper them, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. To avoid lumps, whisk continuously while cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
