Creating Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is straightforward if you follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and utensils to make the process smooth.
2. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
4. Combine Egg Yolks: Gradually add the egg yolks to the dry mixture, whisking until smooth.
5. Add Milk Mixture: Slowly pour in the hot milk while continuing to whisk to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
6. Cook the Mixture: Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
7. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
8. Layer the Pudding: In a large serving dish or individual cups, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and warm pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with pudding on top.
9. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
10. Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream if desired and some crushed vanilla wafers for added texture.

Following these steps will lead you to a glorious dish of Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding that is sure to impress everyone who tastes it!