Real Banana Pudding

You've never tasted a homemade banana pudding like this before. This is a simple, scratch-made dessert that will leave your guests speechless: homemade vanilla pudding layered with vanilla waffle cookies and banana slices and topped with a cloud of meringue. Some people like it warm. Others prefer it delicious and cold. The most difficult thing is to wait until it cools down completely.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together the first 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together the sugar mixture, milk, and 4 egg yolks in a heavy medium saucepan until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 6-8 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; add the butter and vanilla.Place half of the vanilla waffles in an 8-inch square baking dish. Top with half the banana slices and half the pudding. Repeat with the remaining waffles, banana slices,and pudding.Beat the egg whites on high speed with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of sugar, beating until the sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form. Place the meringue on top of the pudding, pressing it firmly against the edge of the dish.Bake at 375 ° C for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 30 minutes and serve warm; or chill for another hour and serve cold.