Laura Dern's Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 F.

Step 2

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine flour, 1½ cups sugar and salt.

Step 3

In a large bowl or measuring cup, lightly beat egg yolks and combine with milk.

Step 4

Pour egg mixture into dry ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until ingredients are thickened and smooth.

Step 5

Remove saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Step 6

Cover the bottom of a two-quart oven-safe glass bowl or baking dish with vanilla wafers.

Step 7

Layer sliced bananas on top of wafers.

Step 8

Pour 1/3 of the custard over wafers and bananas.

Step 9

Repeat layering process two more times until all wafers, bananas and custard have been used, ending with a final layer of wafers.

Step 10

For the meringue:

Step 11

Whip the egg whites with an electric mixer set at high speed.

Step 12

Allow egg whites to foam, add cream of tartar, and then gradually add 1/4 cup sugar one tablespoon at a time.

Step 13

Continue whipping until sugar is well dissolved and stiff peaks have formed.

Step 14

Add remaining vanilla and whip until well-combined.

Step 15

Spread meringue over banana pudding, making sure to spread to the edges of the dish.

Step 16

Bake until the meringue is lightly browned, about 25 minutes.