Name: Gullah Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Gullah Geechee
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 cups whole milk; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp butter; 1 box vanilla wafers (about 12 oz); 4 ripe bananas, sliced; 4 large egg whites; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar; 6 tbsp sugar (for meringue)

Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding topped with meringue. This Gullah banana pudding recipe is the ultimate Southern dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp butter
1 box vanilla wafers (about 12 oz)
4 ripe bananas, sliced
4 large egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
6 tbsp sugar (for meringue)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, about 8 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat egg yolks. Gradually whisk 1 cup of hot milk mixture into yolks, then pour back into saucepan.
Cook 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and butter.
Layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding in a 9x13 dish. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 6 tbsp sugar, beating until stiff peaks.
Spread meringue over pudding, sealing to edges. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

💡 Pro Tip: The meringue topping is what makes this Gullah banana pudding special — don't skip it. Make it a day ahead for the best flavor as the wafers soften into cake-like layers.