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Delicious Secrets of Miss Myra's World-Class Banana Pudding Revealed

cooking

By Victoria M.

- Jul 30, 2025

Miss Myra's Pit Bar B-Q, located near Birmingham, Alabama, has served scrumptious barbecued chicken dinners for years. But it has another claim to fame, a coveted secret recipe for the "most amazing, best-tasting banana pudding" in the world, according to declared fan, Andrew Zimmern. A rarity, this hidden gem was shared and we are here to reveal it to let you experience dessert heaven at home!

This recipe includes 4 cups of Nilla Wafers, 5 ripe bananas-sliced into 1/3-inch rounds, sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, large egg yolks, salted butter, pure vanilla extract and some ingredients for the meringue topping.

Start with a 9-inch square baking dish. Lay half of the wafers at the bottom, top with half of the banana slices and repeat with the remaining wafers and bananas.

When preparing the custard, sugar and flour get whisked in a bowl while the milk is gently heated on the other side until hot but not bubbling. Stir in the sugar mixture in three parts and whisk in yolks. Cook until the custard thickens. Whisk in butter and vanilla then pour the hot custard over the layered wafers and bananas. Let it cool at room temperature for 20 minutes then refrigerate overnight.

For the meringue, combine egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar in a mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually while the mixer is turned on until smooth, glossy peaks are obtained. Carefully spread the meringue on top of the pudding. If you have a kitchen torch, you can use it to brulee the meringue.

Ensure the bananas used are fully ripe, bright yellow with speckles of brown but must hold shape when sliced. Also, add the eggs to gently heated yolks as adding to hot liquid might cause them to scramble. If this is concerning, you may temper the eggs by whisking a small quantity of hot liquid into them prior to adding them to the larger hot portion.

Worried about using raw egg whites in the meringue topping? Use pasteurized eggs! They might take a little longer to peak but yield the same results. Ensure they are at room temperature when you start.

You can make and assemble this divine pudding up to two days in advance, except for the meringue. Keep covered in the fridge and top with the meringue when you're ready to serve.

The recipe was exclusively held close to four generations, until Miss Myra made an exception for Andrew Zimmern. Now it’s your turn to dive in and surprise your family with this special treat!