Name: Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla wafers; 4 medium bananas, sliced into 1/2 inch coins; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 2 1/4 cups whole milk; 2 large egg yolks (whites reserved for meringue); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract; 2 tsp banana cream extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 2 egg whites; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 70 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly captures the heart and soul of Southern comfort food, the Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe is an absolute must-try. This luscious dessert beautifully layers creamy homemade banana custard with fresh banana slices and classic vanilla wafers, all crowned with a cloud-like meringue topping that’s toasted to golden perfection. Each bite is a nostalgic blend of smooth, crunchy, and fluffy textures, alongside bursts of tropical banana flavor enhanced by fragrant extracts. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe will steal the show and become your new favorite go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a kitchen counter with a white marbled surface. On the counter, there is a gallon of milk on the left, next to a clear plastic container of sugar. Behind the sugar, there is a box of yellow Nilla wafers standing upright. To the right of the Nilla wafers, there is a pink bag of self-raising flour. In front of the flour, there are three bright yellow bananas resting on a clear glass dish. Next to the bananas, a white egg and two small white eggs are placed near the edge of the counter. On the far right, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with water. The scene is well-lit, and the items are arranged in a single line across the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the key to creating this stunning Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe. Each component brings its own magic: from the crisp vanilla wafers providing crunch, to the silky homemade pudding, and of course, the airy meringue that finishes everything off beautifully.

Vanilla wafers: Classic and crisp, these form the delightful crunchy layers throughout your pudding.
Medium bananas: Fresh and ripe, sliced into 1/2 inch coins for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Cornstarch: The thickening agent that helps create that smooth, creamy pudding base without any lumps.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the pudding and the meringue, bringing everything together harmoniously.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors in the pudding.
Whole milk: Provides richness and creaminess to the custard.
Egg yolks: Essential for that luscious custard texture in the pudding.
Unsalted butter: Adds a silky mouthfeel and depth of flavor.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Delivers warm aromatic notes that pair beautifully with banana.
Banana cream extract: Intensifies the banana flavor, making each bite extra special.
Water: Used for the sugar syrup that is crucial to the meringue’s glossy finish.
Egg whites: Whipped into the fluffy meringue topping that crowns the dessert.
Cream of tartar (optional): Stabilizes the meringue, ensuring it holds its shape and texture perfectly.

How to Make Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe

Step 1: Make the Banana Cream Pudding

Start by whisking the cornstarch, sugar, and salt together in a medium saucepan, ensuring these dry ingredients blend evenly to prevent lumps. Next, add your egg yolks and milk, whisking everything to a smooth consistency. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally until it thickens and begins to bubble, which usually takes about 7 minutes. Once you see bubbles, continue cooking for another minute to set the custard properly. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, followed by the vanilla and banana cream extracts to infuse that signature tropical aroma.

Step 2: Chill the Pudding

To achieve a perfectly creamy texture, pass the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl. This step ensures any cooked bits are removed, leaving a velvety custard. Cover the pudding closely with plastic wrap, pressing it right onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until thoroughly cooled and set, which generally takes a few hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Meringue Topping

While your pudding chills, prepare the meringue to add that iconic fluffy finish. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, warming them until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Simultaneously, whip cold egg whites in a clean stand mixer bowl until foamy, adding cream of tartar if you have it, which helps stabilize the foam. Bring the sugar syrup to 240 degrees Fahrenheit and carefully pour it into the whipping egg whites on high speed—be mindful to pour along the bowl’s side, not onto the whisk, to avoid splashing hot syrup. Continue whipping for about 7 minutes until the meringue is glossy and fluffy, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble Your Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe

Choose your serving dish—whether a pretty trifle bowl, individual cups, or a classic 9-inch baking dish—and start layering vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat these layers until you run out of the ingredients or space. Then generously top with your luscious meringue, spreading it edge to edge to seal in the pudding.

Step 5: Finish the Meringue

You can either bake the assembled pudding in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 25-30 minutes until the meringue turns golden and toasty, or if you prefer a cooler version, use a culinary torch to lightly brown the topping. Both methods bring out that irresistible meringue flavor and texture.

How to Serve Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe

Three clear glass cups each hold three layers of dessert: the bottom layer is smooth, pale yellow pudding; the middle layer contains slices of light brown cookies mixed with banana pieces, showing soft textures; the top layer is white, fluffy whipped cream with golden toasted spots on its peaks. The cups are placed on a wooden board, with a few small round light brown cookies scattered in front. The background and surface are white with a marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a few extra vanilla wafer crumbs on top of your toasted meringue adds a lovely touch both visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a few thin banana chips for an extra crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy layers below.

Side Dishes

This Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe is a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a chilled glass of sweet iced tea to balance out the rich sweetness of the dessert. For a special occasion, consider serving with coffee or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, present individual servings in clear glass jars or small trifle cups. Layer the pudding, wafers, bananas, and meringue visibly for a stunning effect that invites smiles before the first bite. Another fun idea is to serve it as a deconstructed dessert with spoons of pudding, chunks of wafers, banana slices, and dollops of meringue—all plated artfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The meringue’s fluffy texture may soften over time, but the flavors will remain just as delightful—simply spoon into bowls and enjoy cold or let it warm slightly at room temperature.

Freezing

Freezing banana pudding with meringue is tricky because the meringue can lose its delicate texture and become soggy. If you must freeze, omit the meringue topping and freeze the pudding portion alone in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh meringue before serving.

Reheating

If your pudding has been refrigerated, you can serve it cold or warm it gently in the oven with the meringue intact to refresh the toasted topping. Heat at 300 degrees Fahrenheit just until the pudding is warmed through, taking care not to overbake or dry out the meringue.

FAQs

Can I use instant pudding instead of homemade banana cream pudding?

While instant pudding mixes might save time, they don’t provide the same rich, authentic flavor or silky texture that homemade pudding offers in this Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe. Making your own custard really elevates the dessert.

Is there an egg-free version of this recipe?

Since eggs are essential for both the custard and meringue components, creating an egg-free version would require significant substitutions. However, you could try a dairy-based pudding with whipped cream topping for a similar experience.

How important is the banana cream extract?

The banana cream extract intensifies the banana flavor, making it deliciously vibrant. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract alone works fine, but the extract adds that extra pop that makes this pudding so special.

Can I prepare the pudding and meringue a day ahead?

Absolutely! The pudding should be chilled for a few hours or overnight to develop its texture, and meringue can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated. Assemble just before serving for the best results.

What’s the best way to toast meringue without a torch?

If you don’t have a culinary torch, baking in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes works beautifully to achieve that perfectly golden and toasty meringue topping.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe—it’s a heartfelt tribute to classic Southern desserts that everyone will adore. The blend of textures, the balance of sweetness, and the homemade touch make it a standout dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a treasured staple in your dessert repertoire!

Southern Banana Pudding with Meringue Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need