Rich, Creamy Caramelized Banana Pudding Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana pudding with an extra indulgent twist, you’ve come to the right place. This rich, creamy caramelized banana pudding combines the deep, rich sweetness of caramelized bananas with a smooth vanilla pudding base. All this is layered with crispy vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies to create the perfect dessert for any occasion. With the balance of flavors and textures, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Bananas:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Pudding:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 1½ cups vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
• Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional garnish: extra banana slices, caramel drizzle, or toasted coconut

What is Caramelized Banana Pudding?

Caramelized banana pudding is an elevated version of the classic banana pudding. It features caramelized bananas that add depth and a rich flavor that’s different from regular banana slices. The bananas are gently sautéed with butter and brown sugar, making them golden and sweet. These caramelized bananas are then layered with a rich, creamy pudding base made with eggs, sugar, and dairy, and paired with vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for added texture.

This banana pudding recipe takes a beloved dessert and gives it a luxurious upgrade, with the added indulgence of caramelized bananas.

Origin of the Recipe

Banana pudding is a beloved dessert with roots in the southern United States. Traditional recipes date back to the early 1900s, where it was made with simple ingredients like bananas, vanilla pudding, and cookies, often served at family gatherings and special occasions. Over the years, the dish has been modernized and experimented with, giving birth to variations like this caramelized banana pudding recipe.

Caramelizing the bananas brings out their natural sweetness and adds an exciting new twist to the dish, taking it from simple comfort food to a decadent treat.

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

1. Caramelize the Bananas

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the sugar begins to melt and the mixture becomes syrupy.
3. Gently add the sliced bananas into the skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the bananas turn a rich golden brown but remain firm, not mushy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the pudding.

2. Make the Pudding

1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and pinch of salt. This will be the base for your pudding.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks together.
4. Heat the milk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken (about 5–7 minutes).
5. Slowly add about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
6. Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the pudding is thick and creamy.
7. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool slightly. To prevent a skin from forming, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding.

3. Assemble the Pudding

1. In a trifle dish, large glass bowl, or individual serving cups, start layering:
   • A layer of vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies at the bottom.
   • A layer of the caramelized bananas.
   • A generous layer of the pudding.
2. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
3. Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve

• Top your caramelized banana pudding with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
• For extra flair, drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with banana slices, cookie crumbs, or toasted coconut.

Tips & Variations

• Make it boozy: If you want to give your caramelized banana pudding an adult twist, add 1 tbsp dark rum or bourbon to the caramelized bananas for a rich, warm flavor.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut milk and vegan butter to make this dessert dairy-free. You can also opt for a dairy-free whipped cream topping.
• Extra rich: For an extra indulgent dessert, try folding in a bit of mascarpone or cream cheese into the pudding after it cools. This will make the pudding even creamier and more luxurious.

FAQs About Caramelized Banana Pudding

1. Can I use other fruits for this pudding?
While bananas are the star of this dish, you can experiment with other fruits like caramelized pears, apples, or even berries. The pudding and cookie layers will complement almost any fruit, but the bananas’ sweetness is a perfect match for the rich pudding.

2. How long can I store this dessert?
Caramelized banana pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best served within 2–4 hours of making it for the freshest taste and texture.

3. Can I prepare the pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized bananas and the pudding in advance. Layer everything together just before serving, and let it chill for at least 2 hours to set.

4. Can I make this pudding gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers in place of the vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a gluten-free option.

Conclusion: Caramelized Banana Pudding

This rich, creamy caramelized banana pudding recipe takes a classic dessert and adds a delightful twist with the sweet, golden caramelized bananas. The layers of creamy pudding, crispy cookies, and luscious bananas combine into a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a special treat for your family, this pudding is sure to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and indulge in the sweetness and warmth of this irresistible caramelized banana pudding!

Rich, Creamy Caramelized Banana Pudding Recipe

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Caramelized banana pudding is an elevated version of the classic banana pudding. It features caramelized bananas that add depth and a rich flavor that’s different from regular banana slices. The bananas are gently sautéed with butter and brown sugar, making them golden and sweet. These caramelized bananas are then layered with a rich, creamy pudding base made with eggs, sugar, and dairy, and paired with vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for added texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Caramelized Bananas:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pudding:

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• 3 large egg yolks

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 1½ cups vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies

• Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)

• Optional garnish: extra banana slices, caramel drizzle, or toasted coconut

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the Bananas

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture becomes syrupy.

3. Gently stir in banana slices. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized but not mushy.

4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool slightly.

2. Make the Pudding

1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

2. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks.

4. Heat the milk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken (about 5–7 minutes).

5. Temper the eggs: slowly whisk about ½ cup of the hot mixture into the yolks, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.

6. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.

7. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

8. Let it cool slightly (press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin).

3. Assemble

1. In a trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual cups, layer:

   • A layer of vanilla wafers

   • A layer of caramelized bananas

   • A layer of pudding

2. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set and allow flavors to meld.

4. Serve

• Top with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and garnish with banana slices or cookie crumbs.

Notes

For an extra indulgent twist, top your pudding with crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce just before serving. It also tastes amazing when chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 310

Keywords: Caramelized banana dessert, creamy banana pudding, banana pudding recipe