Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding Like Grandma Made

If there’s one dessert that instantly brings back memories of slow Sunday dinners, holidays in grandma’s kitchen, and warm hugs in every bite—it’s banana pudding. Not the shortcut kind with boxed mix. We’re talking about the real deal.

Old-fashioned banana pudding, made from scratch. Just like grandma (or your mother-in-law’s mom) used to make. And thanks to a heartwarming viral video, this recipe is making a cozy comeback—double boiler, stirring arm workout, and all.

Let’s walk through how to make a batch of this nostalgic southern treat, complete with silky stovetop pudding, ripe bananas, and a graham cracker twist you didn’t know you needed.

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Why This Recipe Feels Like Home

• Made 100% from scratch—no pudding mix in sight
  
• Silky, thick, rich custard base
  
• Buttery graham cracker crust OR traditional vanilla wafers
  
• Customizable for picky eaters
  
• Guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners
  

If you’ve ever had the real thing, you know the difference. The flavor is deeper. The texture smoother. The whole vibe more soulful.

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What You’ll Need (No Shortcuts!)

• 1 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  
• 12 oz can evaporated milk
  
• 12 oz cold water (using the same can)
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (generous)
  
• 2 tbsp real butter (salted or unsalted)
  
• 3–4 ripe bananas (no green allowed)
  
• Optional: graham cracker crust OR vanilla wafers
  

You’ll also need a double boiler. Yes, it’s essential. A thick-bottomed saucepan might work, but a double boiler ensures no scorching and gives that slow-cooked love we’re after.

How to Make Grandma’s Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In the top of your double boiler (off heat), combine:

• 1 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  

Use your hands to mix it together—no spoons or whisks. Grandma knew the love starts right here. Rub the flour and sugar gently with clean fingers until blended.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

• Shake the evaporated milk can and pour it into the dry mix
  
• Fill the same can with tap water and add that too
  
• In the empty can, crack and beat 2 eggs with a fork
  
• Whisk the milk mixture until smooth, then stir in the eggs
  
• Add 1 tsp vanilla extract (or eyeball it generously)
  

Turn on the heat and keep it low to start. Stir everything together gently as the water in the double boiler begins to warm.

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3. Stir. And Stir Some More.

Bring the pudding mixture to temperature slowly, stirring constantly for 12–15 minutes.

As it thickens, it will start to feel “slippery” or like it’s catching on the bottom. That’s your cue—it’s working. Keep going.

Eventually, it will thicken quickly into silky pudding. Keep scraping the bottom and mixing until it reaches the consistency you love.

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4. Add the Butter

Take the pudding off the heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of real butter until fully melted and incorporated.

This step adds depth, richness, and old-school creaminess.

Similar Recipe Video

Assembly Options

Here’s where tradition meets personality. You’ve got two ways to finish it:

Option 1: Classic Style

• Layer vanilla wafers, pudding, and sliced bananas in a deep bowl or dish
  
• Repeat layers
  
• End with pudding on top
  

Option 2: Graham Cracker Crust (Her Twist!)

• Use a prepared graham cracker crust
  
• Layer in sliced bananas
  
• Pour pudding on top and smooth it out
  

The saltiness of the crust with the sweet, rich pudding is shockingly good.

Important tip: Make sure all bananas are covered in pudding so they don’t brown.

Serving Suggestions

• Let the pudding cool on the counter until room temp
  
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight)
  
• Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream or as-is
  

And don’t forget to lick the spoon. That’s tradition.

Tips & Tricks

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and softness
  
• Don’t skip the hand-mixing—it makes a surprising difference
  
• Stir constantly to avoid lumps or burned bottoms
  
• Custard will thicken as it cools—don’t overcook
  

A Comfort Classic Worth the Time

Yes, this banana pudding takes longer than a box mix.

Yes, your arm might get tired from all the stirring.

But the result? A dessert filled with love, memories, and real ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down—not just reposted.

And it pairs beautifully with backyard BBQ, holiday ham, or just a quiet evening with someone you love.

So next time you crave something familiar, make this banana pudding. Serve it up warm or cold, and take one bite.

You’ll taste the nostalgia. And you’ll know—Grandma had it right all along.

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