Old fashioned Southern banana pudding is an iconic taste of the South, made with fresh bananas, whipped cream, and, of course, vanilla wafers. There is no better cool treat on a hit summer’s day. And so easy to make.
Having grown up in the South, old fashioned Southern banana pudding is one of my favorite desserts. All good mom-and-pop restaurants serve it. There is always at least one bowl of it at church suppers. And, it was the best day of the week for us when it was served in the school cafeteria. There is just something about the combination of banana pudding, fresh banana slices, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers that makes this such a delectable treat.
If you haven’t had true Southern banana pudding, try this recipe. You won’t be disappointed! And, by the way, if is even better if you don’t eat it right away, but let the wafers soak up some of that delicious flavor first. I would say the leftovers are the best…but, there usually aren’t any leftovers! 🙂
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Old fashioned Southern banana pudding
Ingredients
1 box instant banana cream pudding mix
2 c. milk
2 bananas
1 box Nilla wafers
8 oz. tub Cool Whip
Directions
Make the banana cream pudding by mixing together the pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes. Then set it aside and allow the pudding to set up for 5 minutes.
Line a glass bowl to about halfway up the sides with the Nilla wafers. Start at the bottom and stack the wafers on top of each other so they line the sides of the bowl. Of course, you could use any bowl, but using a glass one allows everyone to see all the delicious layers of yumminess!)
Gently spoon the pudding into the bowl, being careful not to dislodge the stacked wafers.
Slice one and a half bananas and spread the pieces evenly over the pudding.
2 ways to add the Cool Whip.
Here are 2 ways to finish your banana pudding, depending on whether you want a lot of Cool Whip or not. (Both are delicious!)
Add the Cool whip in large dollops to the top of the pudding and bananas. Garnish with crushed Nilla wafers.
Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the entire top of the pudding/banana mixture. Garnish with more sliced bananas and Nilla wafers.
Here’s a view of the side:
No matter which way you choose to add your Cool Whip, you will get rave reviews for this wonderful old fashioned Southern banana pudding.
Whip some up, sit in the shade and cool off with this delicious dessert!
Happy eating!
~ Pam
Looking for another refreshing dessert? How about tangy, tropical Piña Colada cake, made with pineapple and mandarin oranges.
