13 Southern Banana Pudding Recipes for Desserts

Growing up in the heart of the South, nothing evokes warmer memories than the sight of a towering trifle bowl filled with Grandma’s banana pudding at family reunions. The creamy vanilla custard, ripe banana slices, and those golden Nilla wafers soaked just right—oh, it was pure comfort in every spoonful. I’d sneak extra helpings under the picnic table, dreaming of the day I’d recreate that magic in my own kitchen.

Lately, I’ve been on a banana pudding binge in my home kitchen, experimenting with twists on the classic to make it healthier, boozier, or even make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights. With bananas at their peak sweetness this season, it’s the perfect time to dive into these nostalgic desserts that blend Southern tradition with fresh flair. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or craving a sweet treat, these recipes will transport you straight to porch swings and sweet tea.

Classic Southern Banana Pudding

This timeless recipe layers creamy homemade vanilla pudding with fresh bananas and crisp vanilla wafers, topped with fluffy meringue for that authentic Southern touch. Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, 1 box vanilla wafers, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 4 egg yolks, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 4 egg whites for meringue. Steps: Cook milk, sugar, cornstarch, and yolks until thickened; layer with sliced bananas and wafers in a dish; top with meringue and brown under broiler. It’s quick to assemble (under 30 minutes active time) and serves 8 generously. Benefits: Nostalgic comfort food that’s naturally gluten-free adaptable and packed with potassium from bananas for a guilt-free indulgence.

Magnolia Bakery-Style Banana Pudding

Inspired by NYC’s famous bakery but with a Southern soul, this no-bake version uses instant pudding for ease and extra creaminess. Ingredients: 5 bananas, 1 box vanilla wafers, 2 pkgs instant vanilla pudding mix, 4 cups heavy cream, 1 can sweetened condensed milk. Steps: Whip cream to stiff peaks, fold in pudding mix and condensed milk; layer with banana slices and wafers in a bowl; chill 4 hours. Benefits: Ultra-creamy texture without cooking, perfect for beginners, and ready in minutes—ideal for last-minute gatherings with a rich, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Chessmen Banana Pudding

Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies elevate this pudding with buttery shortbread crunch against silky custard. Ingredients: 4 bananas, 1 pkg Chessmen cookies, 3 cups milk, 1 pkg instant banana pudding, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar. Steps: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and pudding with milk; layer cookies, bananas, and mixture; top with whipped topping and chill overnight. Benefits: The cookies add a sophisticated Southern twist, staying crisp longer, and it’s make-ahead friendly for holidays, boosting calcium from dairy.

Nanner Puddin’ Parfait

Individual servings make this layered delight portable and portion-controlled, straight from Southern church supper vibes. Ingredients: 3 bananas, vanilla wafers (crushed), 1 batch vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade), whipped cream. Steps: Crush wafers for base; layer pudding, banana slices, and cream in glasses; repeat and top with crumbs; chill 1 hour. Benefits: Fun for parties, easy customization (add nuts), and promotes mindful eating with built-in portions while delivering banana’s digestive enzymes.

Bourbon Banana Pudding

A grown-up kick with Kentucky bourbon infuses this pudding for porch-sipping perfection. Ingredients: 4 bananas, vanilla wafers, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup bourbon, 1 pkg pudding mix, 1 cup heavy cream. Steps: Mix pudding with milk and bourbon; whip cream; layer with bananas and wafers; chill 3 hours. Benefits: Bourbon enhances banana flavors subtly, making it a festive treat that aids relaxation—moderate indulgence with antioxidants from bananas.

Vegan Southern Banana Pudding

Plant-based twist using coconut milk for creamy Southern decadence without dairy. Ingredients: 5 bananas, vegan wafers, 2 cans coconut milk, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/3 cup maple syrup, vanilla. Steps: Simmer coconut milk, cornstarch, syrup, and vanilla until thick; layer with bananas and wafers; chill. Benefits: Dairy-free for allergies, lower cholesterol, and naturally sweet—great for inclusive gatherings with sustained energy from plant fats.

Banana Pudding Trifle

Towering and showstopping, this trifle scales up the classic for crowds. Ingredients: 6 bananas, 2 boxes wafers, double batch vanilla pudding, 2 cups whipped cream. Steps: Layer pudding, bananas, crushed wafers, and cream in a large trifle bowl; repeat 3 times; garnish with wafers. Benefits: Feeds 12+, visually stunning for events, and leftovers stay fresh—efficient for entertaining.

Mini Banana Pudding Cups

Bite-sized for snacking or gifting, these cups capture Southern charm in handheld form. Ingredients: 4 bananas, mini vanilla wafers, 1 batch pudding, whipped topping. Steps: Place wafer in cups; add pudding and banana slice; top with cream and another wafer; chill. Benefits: Perfect portion control for weight management, kid-friendly, and customizable—quick prep for 24 servings.

Chocolate Banana Pudding

Dark chocolate pudding meets bananas for a decadent Southern fusion. Ingredients: 4 bananas, wafers, 2 cups milk, 1 pkg chocolate pudding, 1/2 cup cocoa powder. Steps: Prepare chocolate pudding; layer with bananas and wafers; top with chocolate shavings. Benefits: Antioxidants from chocolate and bananas boost heart health; richer flavor satisfies sweet cravings fully.

Peanut Butter Banana Pudding

Elvis-inspired with creamy PB swirled in for nutty Southern soul. Ingredients: 4 bananas, wafers, vanilla pudding, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup cream. Steps: Fold PB into half the pudding; layer plain and PB pudding with bananas and wafers. Benefits: Protein-packed for satiety, nostalgic flavor combo, and stabilizes blood sugar.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

No-bake cheesecake base with banana pudding layers for hybrid heaven. Ingredients: 4 bananas, wafers (crushed for crust), 16 oz cream cheese, 1 batch pudding, 1 cup sugar. Steps: Press wafers for crust; beat cheese, sugar, pudding; add bananas; chill in springform pan. Benefits: Combines two favorites, higher protein, and elegant for dinners.

Crockpot Banana Pudding

Hands-off slow-cooker version for effortless Southern cooking. Ingredients: 5 bananas, wafers, 3 cups milk, pudding mix, 1 stick butter. Steps: Mix milk and pudding in crockpot; add sliced bananas and wafers; dot with butter; cook low 2 hours. Benefits: Minimal effort, infuses deep flavors, perfect for busy days.

Frozen Banana Pudding Pie

Icebox pie style for hot Southern summers, no oven needed. Ingredients: 4 bananas, graham crust, pudding mix, 2 cups whipped topping, 1/4 cup lemon juice. Steps: Mix pudding with lemon and bananas; fold in topping; pour into crust; freeze 4 hours. Benefits: Refreshing chill, preserves bananas longer, and lighter calories.

There you have it—13 ways to savor the South’s sweetest obsession! Whip up one (or all) of these banana pudding recipes this weekend; your taste buds and loved ones will thank you. Which will be your new go-to? Share your twists in the comments!