A Week Of Fruity Desserts: Banana Puddin'

Banana Puddin' is one of those desserts that is known as a Southern dessert. In the heat of the summer, a cold banana puddin' is a refreshing light treat. There are many recipes for banana puddin', some that use sour cream and instant pudding. However the one we like the best is made from fresh ingredients and pantry staples. I found this recipe in a cookbook called 500 Treasured Country Recipes by Martha Storey and Friends. 

Banana Puddin'

• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 Tbsp of all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1 - 12 oz box of vanilla wafers (I use Nabisco Nilla Wafers. They are more expensive, but they taste better than cheaper varieties.)
• 2 to 3 bananas, sliced
• homemade sweetened whipped cream

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk to it almost comes to a boil. 

In a large bowl; combine the sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt. When the milk is heated, add a little to the bowl and stir. (This will temper the eggs and prevent them from cooking.) When everything is combined, add the mixture back to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens. Remove from heat and cover. 

Line the bottom of a casserole dish - I use a round, deep one - with vanilla wafers. (I also line the sides of the dish with wafers as I go.) Top with a layer of bananas, then a layer of pudding. Next add a layer of wafers, a layer of bananas, and use the rest of the pudding for the next layer. 

Top with homemade sweetened whipped cream. You could use Cool Whip, but it is not as good as homemade. You can find the recipe I use on "A Life Loved Simply" FB page.

Banana Puddin' is just simply one of the best desserts that capture the feel of the South and is just simply delicious!