Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce: A Southern Classic with a Sweet Twist

 


When it comes to comfort desserts, few dishes stir up nostalgia like banana pudding. Creamy, layered, and delightfully old-fashioned, it has earned a place on many Southern tables for generations. But if you're looking to elevate this traditional treat into something unforgettable, a warm drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can transform it from familiar to extraordinary.

A Modern Spin on a Beloved Favorite

At its core, banana pudding is a harmonious blend of ripe bananas, velvety vanilla custard or pudding, and soft, sweet wafers. This dessert is all about texture and balance—the contrast between creamy pudding and the slight crunch of cookies softening over time, the fresh fruitiness of bananas mingling with subtle vanilla notes.

The addition of caramel sauce introduces a rich, buttery element that brings depth to the dessert. It complements the bananas perfectly, adding a sophisticated, almost smoky sweetness that turns each bite into an indulgent experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pudding:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced

  • 1 box vanilla wafers (or ladyfingers for a gourmet twist)

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the caramel sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into chunks)

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel lovers)

    INSTRUCTIONS:

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