Banana Pudding with Caramelized Bananas
This Banana Pudding with Caramelized Bananas is a deliciously creamy and decadent dessert that combines rich banana-flavored pudding with the irresistible sweetness of caramelized bananas. Perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat, this dessert is easy to make but feels indulgent with its layers of smooth pudding and golden caramel. Follow the steps below for a dessert that will satisfy every sweet tooth at the table.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 3 ripe bananas (for caramelizing)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 200 ml (⅔ cup) condensed milk
- 600 ml (2 ½ cups) milk
- 70 g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) corn starch
- 150 g (¾ cup) sugar
For the Caramel:
- 50 ml (3.4 tbsp) water
- 150 g (¾ cup) sugar (for caramelizing the bananas)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Banana Pudding
Start by making the creamy base of the dessert. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 200 ml condensed milk, and 70 g corn starch until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This step ensures that the pudding has a silky texture.
Slowly add 600 ml of milk while whisking constantly. Adding the milk gradually helps to avoid any lumps forming in the mixture. Once the milk is fully incorporated, place the saucepan over medium heat.
Continue stirring the mixture over heat until it thickens into a creamy pudding consistency, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pan or forming clumps.
Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly. This cooling step is important to let the flavors develop and for the pudding to set before assembling.
2. Caramelize the Bananas
While the pudding is cooling, prepare the caramelized bananas. In a separate frying pan, combine 150 g (¾ cup) sugar and 50 ml (3.4 tbsp) water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to bubble.
Continue cooking the sugar mixture until it turns a deep golden-brown caramel color. Be careful not to stir too much once the sugar melts, as this can cause crystallization. Simply swirl the pan gently to ensure even caramelization.
Meanwhile, slice the 3 ripe bananas into rounds. Once the caramel has reached the desired color, add the banana slices to the pan. Stir gently to coat the bananas evenly in the caramel, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the bananas soften slightly and are fully coated in the sticky, sweet caramel.
Remove the pan from heat and set the caramelized bananas aside to cool slightly before assembling the dessert.
3. Assemble the Dessert
Now it’s time to layer the dessert. Divide the banana pudding evenly into serving cups or bowls, filling them about three-quarters full.
Next, carefully spoon the caramelized bananas over the top of the pudding in each cup. The warm caramel and bananas will sink slightly into the pudding, creating a deliciously layered effect with each bite.
For added texture and flavor, you can reserve some extra caramel sauce from the pan to drizzle over the top.
4. Chill the Dessert
Place the assembled puddings in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours to fully set and chill. The longer they chill, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a perfect balance between the creamy pudding and the sweet, slightly chewy caramelized bananas.
If you’re making this dessert in advance, you can also refrigerate it overnight for the best results.
5. Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, take the puddings out of the fridge and enjoy them chilled. Each spoonful will offer a perfect combination of creamy banana pudding and sweet, caramelized banana slices, making this dessert a surefire hit for any occasion.
For an extra touch, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion (makes 6 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Sugar: 50 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 90 mg
Final Thoughts
This Banana Pudding with Caramelized Bananas is an easy yet indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any banana lover. The rich and creamy pudding pairs perfectly with the deep, golden flavor of caramelized bananas, creating a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. Best of all, this dessert can be made ahead, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings. Enjoy
