Caramelized Banana Pudding is just like the classic banana pudding but with a sweet twist from the caramelized bananas. Imagine creamy pudding, crunchy wafers, and sweet bananas all in one bite.
If you’re into banana treats like I am, you might also like these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares. They’re just as yummy!
Ingredients List:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 quart (4 cups) half-and-half
- 6 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 bananas, peeled and cut into ½-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for serving
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafers, plus more for serving
- Unsweetened whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How to Make Caramelized Banana Pudding:
1. Preparing the Pudding Base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure there are no lumps.
- Gradually pour in the half-and-half, continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Add the egg yolks to the mixture, whisking them in until fully incorporated.
2. Cooking the Pudding:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Continuously whisk the mixture to ensure even cooking and prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Once thickened, remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Caramelizing the Bananas:
- In a separate large saucepan or skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the sliced bananas, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla over the bananas.
- Gently stir and cook the bananas for about 2 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and absorb the flavors.
4. Assembling the Pudding:
- Start by placing a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of a 9-by-13 baking or trifle dish.
- Over the wafers, spread half of the caramelized bananas.
- Pour half of the prepared pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it out evenly.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding.
5. Chilling and Serving:
- Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on the pudding.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight for the best flavor melding.
- Before serving, garnish with additional crumbled vanilla wafers and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you like, serve with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.
Caramelized Banana Pudding: FAQs and Common Issues
While light brown sugar is best for its rich taste, you can also use white sugar or dark brown sugar. But, each kind of sugar will change the taste a bit. Want to learn more? Here’s a simple guide on sugar types.
The pudding might not thicken if it’s not cooked long enough or if it’s not whisked continuously. Ensure you cook it over medium heat and whisk constantly until it reaches the desired consistency.
Caramelizing the bananas gives a unique flavor and texture. Store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a drizzle but won’t replicate the same taste as caramelized bananas.
To prevent a skin from forming, make sure to cover the pudding directly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the pudding.
Other Delicious Recipes You May Also Enjoy!!
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
- Pumpkin Pudding Shots Recipe: Simple, Yet Spectacular!
- Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
Have you liked our Caramelized Banana Pudding recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, share your tweaks, and share the recipe with your friends.
