1. Uptown Banana Pudding Cheesecake
2. Meringue
3. Blastin' Banana-Blueberry Pudding
4. Rum Banana Pudding
5. Pound Cake Banana Pudding
6. Meringue

Don't miss these spectacular recipes. Pound Cake Banana Pudding and Uptown Banana Pudding Cheesecake not only both received our highest rating, they were also absolute revelations--one using pound cake in place of vanilla wafers, the other combining elements of banana pudding in a rich cheesecake. You can make pudding from scratch, even if you're a new cook. The key is to keep the heat on medium-low while cooking the egg yolk, sugar, and milk mixture. So grab a whisk and saucepan, and give it a try. The extra effort yields a thick, luscious dessert that's light-years ahead of its instant mix brethren in both flavor and appearance. Guaranteed.

"Banana Pudding" is from the March 2006 issue of Southern Living.