If you're craving a dessert that's both comforting and a little fancy, this Caramelized Banana Pudding is your new best friend. It's a delightful twist on a classic, marrying the rich sweetness of caramelized bananas with a creamy, luscious pudding. Perfect for any occasion or just because!
The star here is the banana, which, when caramelized, brings out a deep, sweet flavor that transforms this pudding. The granulated sugar helps in caramelizing the bananas and adds sweetness to the dessert. Unsalted butter provides richness and helps in creating the caramel sauce. Vanilla extract enhances the flavors with its warm aroma. The whole milk is the base for the pudding, giving it its creamy texture. Cornstarch is key for thickening the pudding without adding floury taste. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Egg yolks add richness and help set the pudding. Heavy cream is whipped for a fluffy topping, and confectioners' sugar sweetens it without grittiness. Vanilla wafers provide a delightful crunch layer. Finally, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds a hint of spice to finish.
This pudding is a delightful end to a meal. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. If you're serving it at a gathering, consider adding a small bowl of roasted nuts on the side for guests to sprinkle on top for added crunch.
Start by slicing your bananas into 1/4 inch rounds. This uniform size helps them cook evenly. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the granulated sugar. You're looking to make a caramel here, so stir gently until you see it turning a light amber color. Once ready, carefully add the banana slices, sautéing them until they turn golden on each side, which should take about 2 minutes per side. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate saucepan, mix together the whole milk, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks. Whisk continuously over medium heat. It's crucial to keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. You'll notice the mixture starting to thicken after about 10 minutes. Once it's nice and thick, but still pourable, take it off the heat.
Now it's time to assemble. Lay a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of your serving dish. This will be your crunchy base. Spoon the caramelized bananas over the wafers. Follow with the pudding mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the bananas. Pop the dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Spread this over your chilled pudding. For a final touch, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top.
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