Dreamy Bananas Foster Banana Pudding Recipe

Boozy Bananas Foster Banana Pudding Recipe

Sweet, creamy, and irresistibly decadent, this bananas foster banana pudding recipe blends classic Southern comfort with a luxurious twist.

Caramelized bananas mingle with silky vanilla custard, creating a dessert that sings with rich, complex flavors.

Rum-soaked bananas add a sophisticated warmth to every spoonful of this classic treat.

Each layer promises a delightful contrast of textures and depths of flavor.

Crisp vanilla wafers provide a delicate crunch against the smooth pudding.

The dessert comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for weekend gatherings or special occasions.

You’ll fall in love with this indulgent spin on a beloved Southern classic that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s Inside Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

For Bananas Foster:
  • Butter: Provides rich, golden base for caramelizing and adding smooth depth to the sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates luscious caramel notes and natural sweetness for the banana coating.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana's natural flavor.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
  • Bananas: Soft, ripe fruit that transforms into golden, tender caramelized slices.
  • Rum: Optional spirit that introduces deep, complex flavor and traditional flambé technique.
For Pudding Base:
  • Instant Pudding Mix: Provides quick, creamy foundation with rich vanilla essence.
  • Milk: Creates smooth, silky texture and helps pudding set perfectly.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luxurious sweetness and ultra-creamy consistency.
  • Whipped Cream: Introduces light, airy texture and decadent richness to the pudding.
For Assembly and Garnish:
  • Vanilla Wafers: Crisp, classic cookie that adds delightful crunch and nostalgic texture.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle that amplifies sweet, golden flavor profile.
  • Additional Whipped Cream: Crowns the dessert with elegant, fluffy topping.

Gear For Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

  • Large Skillet: Essential for caramelizing bananas and creating the rich foster sauce.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending pudding mix and incorporating ingredients without lumps.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for preparing pudding base and mixing cream.
  • Trifle Dish or Large Serving Bowl: Ideal for creating beautiful layered dessert presentation.
  • Long Lighter or Match: Optional but helpful for flambé technique.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula: Great for folding cream and gently mixing ingredients.

How To Make Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

  • Caramel Magic Transformation

The secret starts with transforming simple bananas into a golden dream. Melt butter in a sizzling skillet, then dance brown sugar and warm spices together until they create a luxurious sauce that whispers sweet promises.

  • Banana Dance

Gently slide banana slices into the shimmering caramel, letting them waltz and transform into soft, golden treasures. The kitchen will fill with an intoxicating aroma that promises deliciousness.

  • Creamy Cloud Foundation

Whip together a silky pudding base that feels like a dreamy cloud. Blend smooth ingredients until they create a pillowy mixture that hints at pure indulgence waiting to happen.

  • Layer Wonderland

Begin building your dessert like an edible architectural masterpiece. Alternate crisp wafers, luscious pudding, and those magical caramelized bananas. Each layer tells a story of flavor and texture.

  • Chill and Unveil

Tuck your creation into the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and marry. When ready, crown your masterpiece with billowy cream and a sprinkle of crushed wafers. Each spoonful becomes a tropical escape.

Tips To Nail Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

  • Flavor Boost Technique: Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to the pudding mixture for an extra depth of flavor that complements the caramelized bananas.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bananas foster and pudding components separately up to two days in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Swap traditional vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookie alternatives like almond flour cookies or gluten-free graham crackers to make the dessert celiac-friendly.
  • Vegan Transformation: Create a plant-based version by using coconut milk pudding, dairy-free whipped cream, and replacing butter with coconut oil during the caramelization process.
  • Lighter Option: Reduce calories by using low-fat milk, sugar-free pudding mix, and Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream while maintaining the decadent flavor profile.

Serving Ideas For Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

  • Decadent Dessert Drama: Create a stunning centerpiece by layering the pudding in a clear glass trifle dish, allowing guests to see the luscious caramel-coated banana layers.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve alongside strong coffee or a mimosa for a luxurious weekend breakfast treat that transforms an ordinary morning into a special occasion.
  • Party Presentation Perfection: Prepare individual servings in small mason jars or wine glasses for an elegant dessert that's portable and Instagram-worthy, perfect for dinner parties or potlucks.
  • Boozy Flavor Boost: For adult gatherings, add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to the whipped cream topping to enhance the caramelized banana flavor and give the dessert an extra kick.

How To Store Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

  • Refrigeration Magic: Store this decadent dessert in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld beautifully, creating an even more delicious experience with each passing hour.
  • Quick Tip Technique: Keep the caramelized bananas foster sauce and pudding layers separate until just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and prevent wafers from becoming overly soggy.
  • Freezing Strategy: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give a gentle stir before serving to restore the creamy consistency.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the pudding base and caramelized bananas a day in advance. Store them separately in covered containers, allowing you to assemble the dessert quickly when ready to serve, saving time and reducing day-of kitchen stress.
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Dreamy Bananas Foster Banana Pudding Recipe

Dreamy Bananas Foster Banana Pudding Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Creamy banana pudding with classic Bananas Foster recipe weaves New Orleans charm into a luscious Southern dessert. Caramelized bananas and rich custard create an irresistible finale you cannot resist savoring to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 box (12 oz/340 g) vanilla wafers
  • 1 package (5 oz/140 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
  • 1 can (14 oz/400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (50 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) dark rum (optional; substitute with vanilla extract for alcohol-free)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, whipped
  • Additional sliced bananas for layering (optional)
  • Whipped cream
  • Caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Caramel Preparation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then integrate brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until a glossy caramel forms.
  2. Banana Caramelization: Immerse banana slices into the warm caramel, allowing them to transform for approximately 12 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
  3. Rum Infusion: Remove skillet from heat and introduce rum, creating a momentary flame that naturally dissipates, imparting a subtle spirited essence.
  4. Pudding Foundation: Whisk instant pudding mix with milk and sweetened condensed milk until smooth, then allow mixture to set for several minutes.
  5. Cream Integration: Gently fold whipped cream into the pudding, creating a light and airy texture.
  6. Layering Technique: Construct dessert in a trifle dish by creating strategic layers – vanilla wafers as the base, followed by pudding and caramelized banana mixture, repeating until all ingredients are incorporated.
  7. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling wafers to soften and flavors to meld comprehensively.
  8. Final Presentation: Garnish with additional whipped cream, caramel sauce drizzle, and crushed vanilla wafers or caramelized banana slices just before serving.

Notes

  • Manage Banana Ripeness: Select perfectly ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and caramelization potential, ensuring deeper flavor profiles.
  • Control Caramel Temperature: Maintain medium heat while creating caramel sauce to prevent burning and achieve smooth, glossy consistency without scorching butter or sugar.
  • Prevent Pudding Separation: Whisk pudding mixture thoroughly and allow proper resting time to guarantee smooth, lump-free texture and optimal setting of creamy base.
  • Optimize Layering Technique: Create even, deliberate layers with gentle pressure to prevent air pockets and ensure each bite contains balanced combination of wafers, pudding, and caramelized bananas.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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