Lemon Banana Pudding
A soft, bright twist on a Southern classic
Creamy, bright, and full of Southern charm, this Lemon Banana Pudding is the perfect twist on a classic Southern dessert. Made with silky homemade lemon pudding, layers of ripe bananas, fluffy whipped cream, and soft lemon cookies, this easy banana pudding recipe is rich, nostalgic, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, Easter dessert tables, cookouts, potlucks, and Sunday suppers, this homemade banana pudding is a crowd favorite that feels both old-fashioned and fresh at the same time. The sweet bananas and creamy pudding pair beautifully with the zing of lemon for a dessert that tastes like sunshine in every bite.
If you’re searching for the best Southern banana pudding recipe, easy lemon desserts, no-bake layered desserts, nostalgic comfort food, or homemade pudding recipes, this one is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Honey Lemon Banana Pudding
A soft, bright twist on a Southern classic
For the Homemade Vanilla Lemon Pudding
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup sugar
4 egg yolks
¼ cup cornstarch
pinch of salt
2 tosp butter
1 tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Honey Cream Fluff
8 oz cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup honey
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
tiny pinch salt
For Assembly
4-5 ripe bananas
1 package lemon cookies
extra lemon zest for topping
drizzle of honey (optional)
Directions
In a saucepan whisk together: Sugar, cornstarch and salt
Slowly whisk in: Milk and cream
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until warm and lightly steaming.
In a separate bowl whisk egg yolks.
Slowly ladle a little warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them.
Pour everything back into the saucepan.
Cook another 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and silky like a soft custard.
Remove from heat and stir in: Butter, vanilla and lemon zest
Cover with plastic wrap and chill completely.
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Slowly drizzle in honey while mixing.
Add vanilla and pinch of salt.
In a separate cold bowl whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until fluffy and smooth.
Fold the whipped cream into the cooled pudding.
In a serving dish layer:
lemon cookies
sliced bananas
pudding mixture
Repeat layers.
Top with:
crushed lemon cookies
fresh lemon zest
light drizzle of honey if desired