Bananaโs Foster Banana Pudding combines the rich flavors of caramelized bananas with the creamy comfort of classic banana pudding. This luscious dessert offers layers of buttery, spiced bananas foster, velvety vanilla pudding, and indulgent whipped topping for an unforgettable treat.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- A fusion of two iconic desserts: bananas foster and banana pudding.
- Layers of textures and flavors, from creamy pudding to soft, caramelized bananas.
- Easy to make ahead, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Simple ingredients and an elegant presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
- Versatile and customizable with variations for every preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Rum or rum extract
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla wafers
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Milk
- Heavy cream or whipped topping
Directions
- Prepare the Bananas Foster Layer:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in sliced bananas and cook until caramelized, about 3 minutes. Add rum or rum extract and cinnamon, allowing the mixture to bubble briefly before removing it from heat. - Make the Vanilla Pudding:
Prepare instant vanilla pudding according to package instructions by whisking the mix with cold milk. Chill until set. - Layer the Dessert:
In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, layer vanilla wafers, pudding, and bananas foster mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of whipped topping. - Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra caramelized bananas or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 8-10
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 10 minutes
- Chill Time:ย 2 hours
- Total Time:ย 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Alcohol-Free:ย Use rum extract instead of rum for a kid-friendly option.
- Chocolate Twist:ย Add a layer of chocolate pudding for a rich variation.
- Nutty Crunch:ย Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts between layers for added texture.
- Dairy-Free:ย Substitute almond or oat milk for the pudding and use coconut whipped cream.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free vanilla wafers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย This dessert is served cold, so reheating is not necessary. If the bananas foster layer has solidified, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make Bananaโs Foster Banana Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! Homemade pudding will add an extra level of creaminess and flavor.
3. What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?
Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or biscoff cookies work well as substitutes.
4. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, simply use rum extract or omit the rum altogether.
5. How do I prevent bananas from turning brown?
Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice before caramelizing to reduce browning.
6. Can I freeze Bananaโs Foster Banana Pudding?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pudding and bananas may change when thawed.
7. What if I donโt have a trifle dish?
You can assemble the dessert in a large bowl, baking dish, or individual cups.
8. Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
While bananas are key to this recipe, you can add fruits like strawberries or caramelized apples for variety.
9. How long can this dessert sit out?
To maintain freshness and food safety, keep the pudding refrigerated and avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours.
10. Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making the bananas foster layer?
Yes, you can drizzle store-bought caramel over fresh bananas as a quick alternative.
Conclusion
Bananaโs Foster Banana Pudding is a decadent dessert that combines the caramelized sweetness of bananas foster with the creamy nostalgia of banana pudding. Whether for a family dinner or a special celebration, this layered masterpiece will impress and delight everyone who takes a bite.
Print
Bananaโs Foster Banana Pudding
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8โ10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This dessert layers creamy vanilla custard, caramelized bananas cooked in a brown sugar and rum sauce, and classic vanilla wafers, all topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Custard:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Bananas Foster:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds
- 1/3 cup dark rum
For Assembly:
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, milk, and half-and-half.
- In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the milk mixture until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Bananas Foster:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and cinnamon; cook until bubbly.
- Add banana slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, coating them in the sugar mixture.
- Carefully add the rum and, using a long match, ignite to flambรฉ. Baste the bananas with the sauce until the flames subside. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- In a 3-quart baking dish or a 9ร13-inch pan, layer one-third of the vanilla wafers on the bottom.
- Top with one-third of the banana mixture, followed by one-third of the custard.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with custard on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken.
- Add granulated sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Serve:
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled banana pudding.
- Garnish with additional vanilla wafers if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- Ensure all alcohol has burned off during the flambรฉ process, especially if serving to children.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further.
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