Mama’s Banana Pudding

Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton Geroge grew up with their mama, grandmas, and aunts making this classic dessert from scratch.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: Not available

Cook Time: Not available

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups whole milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 9 ripe bananas
• 2 (12 ounce) boxes vanilla wafers
• 6 egg whites (see “Test Kitchen Tip”)
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps

1. Stir together 1 cup sugar, the flour, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in milk, egg yolks, and whole eggs until well combined and smooth.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Pour milk mixture into saucepan with butter; reduce heat to medium-low and whisk constantly until the mixture has thickened, coats the back of a spoon nicely, and begins to bubble, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. Cover and let custard cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. (It will continue to thicken as it cools.)
3. Peel and slice bananas. Line the bottom and sides of 2 (9×13-inch) broiler-safe casserole dishes with vanilla wafers. Layer banana slices over wafers. Pour cooled custard over bananas and wafers, smoothing top with a knife or spatula.
4. For meringue, in a large clean bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla at high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Spoon meringue over top of custard, covering it completely.
5. Set oven rack about 4 inches from broiler; turn broiler to high. Quickly broil meringues until browned, about 1 to 2 minutes. (This happens very quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
6. Remove dishes from oven, allow meringue to cool slightly, about 15 minutes, and serve. (Chill, covered, up to 4 days.)