Banana Pudding with Caramelized Bananas

Banana pudding is a beloved classic dessert, but when paired with caramelized bananas, it transforms into a decadent treat that offers both creaminess and a rich caramelized sweetness. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or when you simply crave a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

In this recipe, we will guide you through each step to create a luscious banana pudding topped with beautifully caramelized bananas, ensuring that every bite is smooth, sweet, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

For the Banana Pudding:

  • 3 bananas, sliced
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 200 ml condensed milk (¾ cup)
  • 600 ml milk (2½ cups)
  • 70 g cornstarch (½ cup)
  • 150 g sugar (¾ cup)
  • 50 ml water (3 tbsp)

Optional Garnish:

  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh mint leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Pudding

To start, we need to create the creamy base of the pudding, which will complement the caramelized bananas perfectly.

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the cornstarch and sugar. Whisk them together to avoid clumps in the pudding later on.
  2. Incorporate the liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial to ensuring the pudding is lump-free.
  3. Combine and heat: Pour the milk mixture into the saucepan with the cornstarch and sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk. This step requires patience—stirring continuously will prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom and forming clumps.
  4. Thicken the pudding: After about 10-12 minutes, the mixture should begin to thicken. Keep stirring until it reaches a smooth, pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the pot from heat.
  5. Cool the pudding: Let the banana pudding cool for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature before moving on to the assembly. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve.

2. Caramelize the Bananas

Caramelizing bananas adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.

  1. Prepare the caramel: In a separate pan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely and turns into a golden caramel. This process may take around 5-7 minutes. Be cautious not to overcook the caramel, as it can turn bitter.
  2. Add the bananas: Once the caramel is ready, add the sliced bananas to the pan. Gently toss the bananas in the caramel, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the bananas become soft and tender. Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent the bananas from mashing.
  3. Cool slightly: Remove the caramelized bananas from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly before assembling.

3. Assemble the Banana Pudding

Now that both components are ready, it’s time to assemble your dessert.

  1. Layer the pudding: Divide the banana pudding mixture evenly into serving cups or bowls. You can use individual servings or a large dessert dish, depending on your preference.
  2. Top with caramelized bananas: Spoon the caramelized bananas over the top of each serving of pudding. Make sure to include a bit of the extra caramel sauce for added richness.

4. Chill the Dessert

To allow the flavors to fully develop and the pudding to set, place the assembled desserts in the refrigerator.

  1. Chill for at least 5 hours: This step is essential for the texture and flavor. The pudding will firm up, and the caramelized bananas will infuse the pudding with a subtle sweetness.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

After the desserts have chilled and set, they are ready to be served. You can elevate the presentation by adding a dollop of whipped cream and garnishing with a fresh mint leaf.

  1. Serve chilled: This banana pudding is best enjoyed cold, allowing the creamy texture to shine against the sweetness of the caramelized bananas.
  2. Optional extras: For added texture, consider layering the pudding with crushed vanilla wafers or sprinkling crushed nuts on top for a delightful crunch.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Sugar: 50 g

Conclusion

This banana pudding with caramelized bananas is an indulgent dessert that balances the creaminess of the pudding with the rich sweetness of caramelized bananas. The extra step of caramelizing the bananas adds complexity to the flavor profile, making this dessert stand out.

By following these steps, you’ll create a dessert that is sure to impress and become a household favorite. Perfect for all occasions, this dish is a must-try for any dessert lover!

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