This homemade banana pudding is a delightful treat that not many people know about, but once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. With its rich, creamy texture and intense banana flavor, this dessert is sure to surprise and satisfy everyone who tries it. Follow this step-by-step guide to make this easy and delicious banana pudding at home.
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 125 g sugar (6 tablespoons)
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 1 litre milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with a little milk to make a slurry)
- 10 g butter
- 1 banana (for caramelized topping)
- 50 g sugar (for caramelizing the banana)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Base
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 very ripe bananas until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pudding
- In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and 125 g sugar until well combined and slightly pale in color.
- Gradually add the mashed bananas to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
- Pour in the milk and place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from curdling.
- Once the mixture is warm, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little milk) to the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
Step 3: Cool the Pudding
- Pour the banana pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl.
- Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
Step 4: Caramelize the Banana Topping
- Slice the remaining banana into thin rounds.
- In a small skillet, heat the 50 g of sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden brown color.
- Add the banana slices to the caramelized sugar, tossing them gently to coat.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until the bananas are caramelized and slightly softened.
- Remove the caramelized bananas from the skillet and place them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Once the pudding is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.
- Top the pudding with the caramelized banana slices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this unique and delicious banana pudding!
Cook’s Notes
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be. Make sure to use bananas that are well-speckled or even slightly overripe for the best results.
- Cornstarch: Make sure to dissolve the cornstarch in a little milk before adding it to the pudding to avoid lumps.
- Caramelized Bananas: The caramelized banana topping adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the creamy pudding. You can skip this step if you prefer a simpler presentation.
Variations
Banana-Chocolate Pudding
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the pudding mixture for a rich banana-chocolate flavor.
Nutty Banana Pudding
Stir in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the pudding before chilling for added crunch.
Banana-Coconut Pudding
Replace 1 cup of milk with coconut milk and top the pudding with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Boozy Banana Pudding
Add a splash of rum or banana liqueur to the pudding mixture for an adult version of this dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the banana pudding a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze banana pudding?
While you can freeze banana pudding, it may alter the texture, making it slightly grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after a short refrigeration.
4. Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a sweetener of your choice, such as honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the amount to taste.
5. Can I add other fruits to this pudding?
Yes, you can add other fruits like strawberries or blueberries to the pudding for a fruity twist. Simply fold them in before chilling.
This homemade banana pudding is a delightful and unique dessert that’s sure to impress everyone. With its rich, creamy texture and intense banana flavor, this treat is both comforting and indulgent. The caramelized banana topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and sophistication, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as is or add your own twist, this banana pudding is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!
