Classic Southern Banana Pudding
Classic Southern Banana Pudding is a beloved comfort dessert from the American South, featuring layers of sliced ripe bananas and vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers) topped with a rich, creamy custard or pudding and often finished with whipped cream or meringue. It's a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holidays, embodying the region's love for simple, hearty sweets.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is typically high in carbohydrates and fat due to the sugar, wafers, and dairy, with minimal protein. A standard serving can range from 300 to 500 calories, providing quick energy from sugars and some calcium from the milk-based pudding.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.25 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a nostalgic 'icebox cake' that often improves as it sits, allowing the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture—a hallmark of Southern hospitality and resourcefulness. Nutritionally, the bananas add potassium and fiber, making it a slightly more wholesome indulgence compared to other rich desserts.
