Meringue-Topped Banana Pudding Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 9 ounces vanilla wafer cookies (about 65 cookies)
• 6 bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 2 cups whole milk or half and half
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup white sugar

Directions

Step 1: Line the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish with half of the vanilla wafer cookies. Arrange half of the banana slices over the cookies. Repeat the layers with the remaining cookies and banana slices.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir until no lumps remain. Add the egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Place the saucepan over medium heat and gradually stir in the milk. Stir constantly for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon.

Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for 1 minute. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bananas and cookies in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours, to chill.

Step 4: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gradually add the white sugar while the mixer is running until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Spread the meringue over the chilled pudding. Use a kitchen torch to brown the top of the meringue for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 6: To store, insert toothpicks halfway into the meringue and loosely cover with plastic wrap, making sure it doesnt touch the meringue. Chill for up to 24 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	371	-
Total Fat	9g	12%
Saturated Fat	3g	16%
Cholesterol	96mg	32%
Sodium	231mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	66g	24%
Dietary Fiber	3g	10%
Total Sugars	43g	-
Protein	8g	15%
Vitamin C	8mg	9%
Calcium	60mg	5%
Iron	1mg	4%
Potassium	482mg	10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Meringue-Topped Banana Pudding

Meringue-topped banana pudding has its roots in Southern American cuisine, with a lineage tracing back to early 20th-century cookbooks. While banana pudding itself was a popular dessert among households in the South, the addition of meringue as a decorative and flavorful topping became a hallmark of home baking in the 1920s and 1930s. The dessert combines simple, accessible ingredientsbananas, custard, cookies, and eggsinto a comforting treat that reflects the Southern emphasis on rich, sweet, and visually appealing dishes.

Regional Variations

In the American South, banana pudding often features layers of soft vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a creamy custard, all crowned with a browned meringue. Northern variations sometimes replace wafers with sponge cake or ladyfingers and may omit the meringue entirely in favor of whipped cream. In some regions of the South, local flavors like bourbon, pecans, or even chocolate chips are incorporated, giving the dessert a unique twist depending on the community or family tradition. The meringue topping, however, remains a defining feature of Southern-style presentations.

Distinguishing Features

Unlike other banana desserts such as banana cream pie or simple layered puddings, meringue-topped banana pudding is characterized by its combination of crisp-tender vanilla wafers, soft banana slices, creamy custard, and a fluffy meringue that is lightly browned. The meringue not only adds visual appeal but also provides a delicate contrast to the smooth custard and tender fruit. This combination sets it apart from banana cream pie, where the filling is often firmer and encased in a pastry crust, and from trifle-style puddings that typically lack a baked meringue layer.

Common Serving Occasions

Meringue-topped banana pudding is commonly served at family gatherings, potlucks, church events, and holiday dinners, especially in the Southern United States. It is considered a celebratory dessert due to its layered presentation and elegant topping, making it popular for both casual and formal occasions. Often served chilled, the pudding is sliced to reveal its layers, adding an element of surprise and delight for guests.

Interesting Facts

• The use of cream of tartar in the meringue stabilizes the egg whites and helps them maintain their shape when baked or torched.
• The recipes layered structure mirrors that of traditional trifles, but the meringue topping is a uniquely Southern twist.
• Some home bakers use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue, creating a caramelized surface that adds texture and flavor.
• Despite its simplicity, the dessert requires careful timing and layering to achieve the perfect balance of textures, from soft bananas to crisp wafer edges and airy meringue peaks.
• Banana pudding is so culturally significant in the South that it has inspired festivals and competitions dedicated to perfecting the recipe.

FAQ about Meringue-Topped Banana Pudding Recipe

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