Sweet Tea, Porch Swings & Banana Pudding: A Charleston Classic You Need to Try

If you grew up anywhere near the Lowcountry, you know that banana pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a love language. Passed down through generations, Charleston Banana Pudding is that perfect combo of creamy, cool, sweet, and nostalgic. It’s what shows up at Sunday dinner, church potlucks, family reunions, and every celebration in between. In this post, we’re bringing you the real deal: the Classic Charleston Banana Pudding recipe that tastes like it was made by someone’s grandma (but prettier). 

What Makes It “Charleston” Banana Pudding? 

It’s all about the layers—rich vanilla pudding (homemade or the good kind from a box, no judgment), fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and just the right amount of Southern flair. Some folks top it with meringue, others with whipped cream—we say do both if you’re feeling extra. 

The Recipe: Ingredients: 

• 1 box of vanilla wafers (or homemade butter cookies if you’re fancy) 
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced 
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 
• 1 ½ cups cold water 
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix 
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream 
• Optional: meringue topping or toasted coconut 

Instructions: 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cold water. Add pudding mix and whisk until smooth. Chill for 5 minutes. 
2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. 
3. Layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding in a trifle bowl or dish. Repeat layers until full. 
4. Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). 
5. Top with meringue, whipped cream, or even gold-dusted wafers for a Coastal Escape upgrade. Stay tuned on how to serve this for the ultimate Sunday dessert.