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Caramelized Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.1 from 36 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings

Description

This Caramelized Banana Pudding is a luscious twist on the classic Southern dessert, featuring tender caramelized bananas layered with rich, creamy homemade vanilla pudding and topped with fluffy cinnamon-spiced whipped cream. The combination of soft vanilla wafers, smooth pudding, and the sweet depth of caramelized bananas creates a deeply satisfying and indulgent treat. Perfect for making ahead, it chills to a silky, flavorful perfection in just a few hours.

Ingredients

Caramelized Bananas

  • 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 large semi-ripe bananas, sliced into 1/4 inch slices (about 4 heaping cups)

Pudding

  • 2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Assembly and Topping

  • About 50 vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla Wafers; one 11 ounce box is enough)
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (30g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional garnish: quartered banana slices and/or crumbled vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Bananas: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring constantly until combined. Add the sliced bananas and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. For a firmer texture, cook only 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Make the Pudding: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk until sugar dissolves and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally. In a heatproof bowl, quickly whisk egg yolks with cornstarch until thick and smooth. Slowly stream about 3/4 cup (180ml) of hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then very slowly whisk the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue whisking over medium heat until the pudding thickens and bubbles appear on the surface, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and softened butter. Set aside.
  3. Assemble the Pudding: Using an ungreased 9-inch or 2.5-quart baking dish, layer half of the vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top with half of the caramelized bananas. Stir the pudding if thick; add a splash of milk to thin if needed. Pour half the pudding over bananas and spread evenly. Repeat with remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding layers. Cover and set aside at room temperature or refrigerate as you prepare the whipped cream.
  4. Prepare Whipped Cream: With a hand or stand mixer fitted with a whisk, whip heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon on medium-high until medium peaks form—about 3-4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the pudding.
  5. Chill: Cover the pudding tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften. Serve within 24 hours for best texture and flavor.
  6. Serve and Store: Spoon pudding into individual bowls. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze due to liquid content and texture changes upon thawing.

Notes

  • Use semi-ripe bananas for the best balance of sweetness and firmness.
  • If you prefer firmer banana texture, caramelize them for only 1-2 minutes instead of 3.
  • Whisk the pudding constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smooth texture.
  • Spoon the pudding while warm for easiest spreading.
  • Vanilla wafers soften considerably after refrigeration; avoid leaving pudding over 24 hours for best texture.
  • Do not freeze the pudding as the high liquid content makes it unsuitable for freezing and thawing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/caramelized-banana-pudding-recipe/