This NC Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Recipe Is Pure Southern Comfort — Two Ways To Make It

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.

In the South, we measure love and heritage in heaping spoonfuls of traditional Southern dishes. Around Winston-Salem (and far beyond in the South), banana pudding is proof positive.

If you grew up in the Triad, there’s a good chance banana pudding has been on your table more times than you can count. Some folks swear their grandmother’s recipe is the recipe (like me!). Others keep it simpler with instant pudding and Cool Whip (not the same, but still worthy).

But no matter how you make it, the first cool, creamy bite takes you back to long summer evenings, eating your pudding on the porch with the buzz of cicadas in the air.

That’s why I’m sharing two recipes in this article — a true, made-from-scratch version for those times you want the full old-fashioned experience, and a quicker version for when comfort food can’t wait.

Bonus: I’ll also tell you where to find the best banana pudding in the Triad!

Classic Southern Banana Pudding Recipe (Made From Scratch)

When my Nana made this banana pudding, always in a glass dish with perfect layers of Nilla wafers, custard, and sliced bananas, we knew it was a special occasion. It wasn’t just dessert, it was tradition.

This was my Nana’s recipe, dating back to the late 1940s. It was largely based on the original Nestle Vanilla Wafer banana pudding recipe found on the box, but my Nana added her own twist with some butter in the pudding and vanilla in the meringue. It’s a recipe worth passing down, for sure.

Old-Fashioned Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Recipe

This classic Southern recipe layers vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a rich homemade custard, topped with fluffy meringue. The result? A warm, creamy pudding with a light, toasty topping that tastes just like your grandma's.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

• 5 bananas (sliced)
• 50 Nilla wafers
• ¾ cup sugar (divided)
• ⅓ cup flour
• dash salt
• 3 eggs (separated)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla (divided)
• 1/2 lemon

Instructions

 

• Slice the bananas into rounds and place in a medium bowl. Lightly toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Mix 1/2 cup of the sugar, flour, and salt in top of double boiler.
• Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. 
• Cook, uncovered, over boiling water 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly with a whisk.
• Remove from heat; whisk in 1/2 tsp vanilla and butter.
• Spread small amount of custard onto bottom of 1-1/2 to 2-qt. baking dish. 
• Reserve 10-12 nilla wafers to garnish.
• Cover with a layer of 1/3 each of the remaining wafers, then bananas, and remaining custard. Repeat layers 2 times.
• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Beat egg whites on high using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
• Add 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla, beating until stiff but not dry.
• Spoon over custard; spread evenly, sealing well to edge of dish.
• Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Cool slightly (or refrigerate several hours) until chilled.
• Top with reserved wafers just before serving.

Notes

• If you’re not a fan of meringue (my kids aren’t), you can swap it with some Cool Whip (or better yet, homemade whipped cream).
• You can serve this dish 5-10 minutes after baking if you prefer it warm. Or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours for cool, refreshing pudding.
• Banana pudding will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator (covered).

Keyword nilla wafer banana pudding recipe

Watch a Classic Southern Banana Pudding in Action

There’s something special about seeing banana pudding layered by hand. This video captures that comforting, old-school process, rich with vanilla custard and Nilla wafers.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is comfort food through and through — rich, creamy, and nostalgic. It’s the kind of dessert that wraps up a meal like a warm Southern hug. But if you’re wondering what dishes and drinks make it shine even brighter, here’s how to build the perfect spread.

Flavor Pairing Tips

Banana pudding is a gentle dessert in terms of flavor, which makes it versatile. The creamy vanilla base and subtle fruitiness make it a great follow-up to bold or salty dishes.

• Banana and vanilla pair well with smoky and spicy meals.
• Creamy textures are best paired with foods that have acidity or crunch.
• If you’re creating a sweet-on-sweet menu, consider pairing mains with honey, molasses, or brown sugar glazes to stay within the comfort zone.

Main Dishes That Hit the Right Note

Banana pudding works best after meals that are savory, smoky, tangy, or hearty. The contrast in flavors is key to making the dessert stand out.

When the main course leaves your palate seasoned and satisfied, banana pudding cools and smooths everything over.

• BBQ Ribs and Slaw – Sticky ribs and crunchy vinegar slaw offer bold flavors that are softened by the sweetness of banana pudding.
• Fried Chicken and Biscuits – The salty, crispy texture of fried chicken followed by the cool, creamy pudding creates a classic Southern rhythm.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The smoky pork and tangy sauce pair well with the mild banana and vanilla flavors.
• Cheerwine-Glazed Ham – Sweet and savory with a hint of cherry cola tang, this ham is a showstopper main. The fruity glaze complements the banana pudding beautifully. Get the recipe here.
• Mac and Cheese with Collard Greens – Rich, savory mains like this can handle a little extra indulgence. Banana pudding delivers without feeling too heavy.

Wine and Cocktail Pairings

Banana pudding and alcohol may not be a classic combination, but the right drink can enhance the experience in surprising ways.

A good pairing should contrast the pudding’s creamy richness with bright acidity, a touch of fizz, or subtle warmth—complementing the dessert without overpowering its soft, nostalgic flavors.

Wines

• Moscato d’Asti – Light and slightly sweet with a gentle fizz. It complements banana and vanilla notes without becoming cloying.
• Late Harvest Riesling – Balanced acidity and sweetness help cut through the creaminess of the pudding.
• Sparkling Rosé – Adds a bright, fruity finish that livens up the dessert course.

Cocktails

• Bourbon Vanilla Cream – A creamy bourbon-based drink with hints of vanilla that echo the dessert’s flavor while adding warmth.
• Spiked Sweet Tea – A Southern staple turned adult-friendly. Add bourbon or peach schnapps to iced tea for a refreshing finish.
• Rum Banana Flip – A dessert-style cocktail with rum, banana liqueur, and egg white. Great for banana lovers looking to match their drink to their dessert.

For a fun presentation, serve banana pudding in individual jars and pair it with a small pour of dessert wine or a miniature cocktail. It’s a charming way to finish off a Southern-inspired meal.

Want to explore cocktail or wine pairings closer to home? Check out Winston-Salem’s growing scene of local distilleries, craft cocktail bars, and nearby Yadkin Valley wineries for regional pours that pair beautifully with Southern desserts.

A Short & Sweet History Of Banana Pudding

Banana pudding might feel Southern to the bone, but its story is a mix of innovation, convenience, and (surprisingly to some) origins not from the South. We still call it ours!

Bananas started gaining popularity in the U.S. after the Civil War, as steamships and new trading companies brought in more from the Caribbean and Central America.

The very first known mention of banana pudding came in 1878 in The New York Times, and in 1888, Good Housekeeping, based in Massachusetts, published a recipe. That early version looked more like an English trifle — layers of sponge cake, custard, and sliced bananas.

A Staple in Southern Cookbooks and Community Tables

By the 1890s, banana pudding recipes were popping up in newspapers and cookbooks across the country. Sponge cake was the go-to, but some cooks used ladyfingers for a slightly fancier touch.

Everything changed in 1920 when Laura Kerley of Bloomington, Illinois, shared a recipe using National Biscuit Company (now called Nabisco) Vanilla Wafers instead of sponge cake or ladyfingers in her local newspaper. The swap caught on.

In the 1940s, Nabisco began printing a banana pudding recipe right on its Vanilla Wafer box. That simple marketing move turned the dessert into a household name — and, eventually, helped cement its place as a Southern classic.

Banana pudding’s popularity skyrocketed in the mid-20th century, when it began appearing in classic cookbooks like The Joy of Cooking and countless church potluck compilations across the South. Its place in Southern food culture was solidified not just in kitchens, but in moments of shared community—family reunions, homecomings, Sunday dinners, and even Juneteenth celebrations, where its comforting flavors carry both memory and meaning.

From Trisha Yearwood preparing her version on the Food Network to generations of grandmothers layering wafers in glass dishes, banana pudding continues to be more than dessert—it’s a thread in the cultural fabric of the South.

How Did Banana Pudding Become A Southern Thang?

Although banana pudding didn’t start out as a purely Southern dish, somewhere along the way, it found its forever home below the Mason-Dixon line. Exactly how that happened is up for debate.

Many believe it became a Southern staple simply because it was perfect for the region’s favorite gatherings — church picnics, family reunions, and backyard barbecues. It’s easy to make in big batches, holds up well in the heat, and can be served straight from the fridge to a crowd.

In North Carolina, banana pudding became more than just a sweet treat. It settled in alongside Carolina barbecue, collard greens, and hushpuppies as a beloved staple, elegant enough for guests but comforting enough for everyday suppers. Here in Winston-Salem, banana pudding isn’t just a sweet ending to a meal — it’s part of the social fabric.

6 Fun Variations To Try

One of the best things about banana pudding is that it plays well with creativity. Sure, the classic version is beloved, but Winston-Salem cooks aren’t afraid to put their own spin on it — often inspired by family cravings, seasonal ingredients, or a little friendly competition at the church potluck.

Some variations add a touch of decadence, others bring in unexpected flavors, and a few are just plain fun to make. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply want to surprise your family, these playful twists will keep your banana pudding tradition fresh without losing its Southern soul.

1. Add a regional twist: Drizzle a thin ribbon of Cheerwine syrup between layers for a playful nod to our beloved hometown soda.
2. Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter between the banana and wafer layers for a Southern Elvis-inspired twist.
3. Caramel Banana Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce over each banana layer before adding pudding.
4. Chocolate Lover’s Version: Alternate layers with chocolate pudding for a two-toned dessert.
5. Frozen Banana Pudding: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for a cool summer treat — thaw slightly before serving.
6. Mini Banana Pudding Cups: Perfect for parties and easier to store in the fridge.

Don’t Have Time For Cooking?

Nothing quite replaces an old-fashioned banana pudding made from scratch. But I get it; sometimes you feel like making the cooking process simpler. Or maybe, your family’s favorite isn’t from-scratch.

This version blends the richness of old-fashioned pudding with the ease of modern shortcuts. It’s the one you can pull off for a Sunday lunch, a backyard cookout, or a holiday table, without spending time stirring custard.

Quick Banana Pudding Recipe

This quick Southern classic is light, creamy, and full of flavor. Cool Whip gives the pudding a fluffy texture, while layers of ripe bananas and crisp vanilla wafers add sweetness and crunch. Perfect for when you want a homemade dessert without the wait.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chill Time (optional) 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

• 4-5 bananas
• 1 box Nilla Wafers
• 1 3.4 oz box Jello Vanilla Pudding
• 2 cups cold whole milk
• 16 oz cool whip, divided

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
• Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding using a flexible spatula. Cover and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes, or until just set.
• While the pudding chills, peel and slice the bananas into thin rounds. Set aside.
• To assemble, spread a single layer of Nilla wafers across the bottom of a casserole dish, trifle bowl, or large glass dish.
• Arrange a layer of banana slices over the wafers, distributing evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
• Spoon a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Repeat the layers — wafers, bananas, pudding — until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
• Spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the top and garnish with extra Nilla wafers.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Keyword Quick banana pudding with nilla wafers

Source: Southern Shelle Bakes

Banana Pudding In Local Food Culture

If you’ve lived in Winston-Salem long enough, you know the local dining scene has plenty of places that treat banana pudding like an art form. From barbecue joints and small diners to bistros and trendy restaurants, it’s a menu staple that locals and visitors alike seek out.

Some restaurants keep it classic. Others serve it piled high in footed dessert glasses with extra whipped cream spilling over the sides. Either way, it’s the kind of dessert that leaves you scraping the bowl.

Where To Find Banana Pudding Around Winston-Salem

There are too many to include, but here are some places to check out if you’re a banana pudding fanatic.

• Barbecue Spots: Many barbecue joints in and around the city, such as Camel City BBQ Factory, Mr. Barbecue, Little Richard’s, and Honkey Tonk Smokehouse, serve homemade banana pudding alongside their plates of chopped pork and hushpuppies.
• Bistros and Fine Dining Restaurants: Betty on Burke and Spring House have delicious banana pudding desserts on their menu. Other local finer dining favorites often rotate this sweet treat on their menus.
• Farmers’ Markets & Food Trucks: In summer, some vendors at the Cobblestone Farmers Market and pop-up food trucks sell single-serve banana pudding cups.
• A Ways Down The Road: These places in High Point are worth the drive: Sweet Dough Bakeshop, The Market (homemade wafers!), and Becky and Mary’s.

See a few of our articles featuring the best restaurants in and around Winston-Salem: barbecue joints, casual fare, fine dining, new restaurants, and much more.

Bonus: Check Out These Amazing Banana Pudding-Inspired Treats In W-S

• Twin City Sweets – “Bailey Banana,” named after Bailey Park downtown, is made with banana pudding ice cream, real banana pudding, Nilla Wafers, and whipped cream. Now we’re talking!
• Dewey’s Bakery – delicious banana pudding cheesecake bars.
• Natabelles Desserts – banana pudding cake and biscoff banana pudding cookies to die for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Banana pudding might seem like an easy dish to make, but it can go wrong if you don’t follow some basic guidelines. Below are some of the questions we see from home cooks trying to make this the best dish ever. If you don’t see yours here, please ask us in our comments below.

What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid?

Even a simple banana pudding recipe can go sideways if you’re not careful. Avoid these common pitfalls for a perfect batch every time:

• Using overripe bananas – They turn mushy fast and can overpower the flavor. The ideal bananas are bright yellow with minimal brown spots. They should be firm to the touch, but not hard.
• Over-layering – Too much pudding or too many bananas can make it runny. Keep the ratios balanced.
• Not covering it tightly – Exposure to air speeds up browning and can cause the pudding to form a skin.
• Making it too far in advance – After 3 days, the bananas and wafers lose their texture.

How Do You Keep Banana Pudding From Getting Watery?

The biggest culprit is excess moisture from the bananas. Use just-ripe bananas (not overly soft), and if possible, assemble your banana pudding at least a few hours before serving so the pudding can set without breaking down. If you’re making it ahead more than a day, wait to add the final banana layer until just before serving.

How Do You Keep Bananas From Turning Brown In Banana Pudding?

Toss banana slices in a light coating of lemon juice, pineapple juice, or even orange juice before layering. This slows oxidation and keeps them looking fresh longer.

What’s The Best Way To Store Banana Pudding?

Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Banana pudding is best eaten within 2–3 days, as the bananas will start to brown and the wafers will soften completely over time.

Can I Make Banana Pudding Without Nilla Wafers?

Absolutely. Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even ginger snaps make great substitutes. Just note that each will give the pudding a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I Make Banana Pudding The Night Before?

Yes! In fact, many Southern cooks swear it tastes better the next day because the flavors have time to meld and the cookies soften just right. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight.

Best Sweets In And Around Winston-Salem

If your sweet tooth is in high gear, the Triad offers a ton of extraordinary places that are sure to satisfy. See our articles about the best places to find perfect desserts for any occasion and the best bakeries in and around town.

Do you have a favorite banana pudding recipe to share? Or your favorite place to get banana pudding in Winston-Salem and the Triad? Let us know in our comments!