Pin
This decadent Bananas Foster Banana Pudding combines three beloved desserts into one spectacular treat. The fusion of banana pudding’s creamy sweetness cheesecake’s richness and the caramelized warmth of bananas foster creates an elegant dessert that looks stunning in individual wine glasses yet requires minimal effort.
I first created this recipe when hosting a dinner party and needed a dessert that looked impressive but fit into a tight prep window. Familiar flavors combined in a beautiful presentation had guests requesting the recipe before their wine glasses were empty.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: bring a honeyed buttery base and lay the foundation for every bite use finely ground crumbs for best texture
- White sugar: sweetens the crust and helps it hold shape when set
- Salted butter: binds the crumbs and gives richness always select a good quality butter
- Instant banana pudding mix: guarantees banana flavor and saves time
- Cold milk: activates the pudding use whole milk for added creaminess
- Cream cheese: gives a tangy touch and creamy richness ensure it is fully softened before blending
- Heavy whipping cream: should have at least thirty six percent fat content for billowy whipped cream
- Powdered sugar: dissolves smoothly and helps stabilize the cream
- Vanilla extract: lifts the flavor use pure extract for depth
- Butter: starts the caramel sauce unsalted lets you control the saltiness
- Dark brown sugar: brings a complex molasses note do not swap for light brown sugar
- Banana liqueur: intensifies flavor and adds a sophisticated banana twist
- Vanilla extract: gives aromatic lift and balances the sugars
- Ground cinnamon: offers warmth and gentle spice try Ceylon for a more subtle note
- Bananas: need to be ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when heated
- Walnuts: add a nutty crunch toast slightly for even more aroma
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to exactly three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for proper texture. Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar thoroughly. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press into a baking pan about one quarter inch thick making sure the layer is even. Bake around six minutes just until the crust is golden and fragrant. Let cool fully before crumbling for serving.
- Create the Pudding:
- Vigorously whisk cold milk and pudding mix for a full two minutes until smooth and thickening. Add softened cream cheese in pieces. Use an electric mixer to blend completely so no white streaks remain resulting in a cheesecake like texture. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about thirty minutes.
- Whip the Cream:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters ahead of time for faster whipping. Combine heavy cream powdered sugar and vanilla. Start beating on low and gradually increase to high to prevent splatters. Whip until stiff peaks form which usually takes three to four minutes. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Craft the Bananas Foster:
- Use a heavy skillet ideally cast iron for even heat. Melt butter on medium then add brown sugar stirring until dissolved. Add banana liqueur vanilla and cinnamon then stir until bubbling and glossy. Gently fold in banana slices and walnuts coating in the sauce. Cook until bananas are warmed and slightly softened about four to five minutes but not mushy. Allow to cool briefly before assembly.
- Assembly:
- Spoon a layer of crumbled graham crust into each wine glass. Add a generous layer of pudding then a scoop of bananas foster including sauce. Add another pudding layer if desired. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with a few banana slices and walnuts for that signature look. Make sure the layers are visible through the glass for an impressive presentation.
Pin
The banana liqueur is the ingredient that brings this dessert together in a magical way. My grandmother always added a splash of liqueur to her banana recipes and that little family tradition carries so much warmth and nostalgia. Every time I use it in this pudding someone asks for the secret.
Make-Ahead Options
This dessert works wonderfully for planning ahead. Both pudding and whipped cream can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored separately in airtight containers. The bananas foster layer should be made within four hours of serving to keep the bananas from browning. For peak results assemble the glasses up to six hours before serving so flavors meld yet the textures stay distinct.
Serving Suggestions
These individual puddings shine at the end of any Southern inspired meal. Serve slightly chilled but not too cold to ensure the caramel and pudding flavors come through. Use long handled spoons so guests can scoop through all layers in one bite. For entertaining pour the warm bananas foster over the puddings at the table for extra impact.
Flavor Variations
You can change this dessert up each time you serve it. Swap banana liqueur for rum or bourbon for adult gatherings. Add a layer of chocolate ganache for a chocolate banana version. For a tropical spin include a layer of crushed pineapple between pudding and bananas foster or sprinkle toasted coconut on top. The technique stays the same so feel free to play with new flavors.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What do I need for a graham crust?
Stir melted butter and sugar into crushed graham crackers. Pack the mix in your pan and bake for 6 minutes at 350°F.
- → Is homemade whipped cream okay to use?
Absolutely! Whip cream with a splash of vanilla and powdered sugar until it’s fluffy and holds its shape.
- → Any tips for jazzing up those caramelized bananas?
As you’re cooking, toss in a dash of cinnamon, brown sugar, and some banana liqueur. That takes it up a notch.
- → What if I don't want walnuts?
No worries. Go with pecans or hazelnuts instead, or just skip the nuts for a nut-free version.
- → What's a fancy way to serve this at parties?
Go for clear glasses or dessert cups to show off those layers. Your guests will love how cool they look.