Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Banana Pudding Custard:

• 3 ripe bananas (approximately 300 grams)
• 40 grams (2 tbsp) butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: 1/3 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• 2 egg yolks
• 25 grams (2 tbsp) cornstarch
• 200 milliliters (4/5 cup) milk
• 250 milliliters (1 cup) chilled cream (33-38%)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

1. Peel and Mash the Bananas: Start by peeling the ripe bananas and placing them in a bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until they are smooth, with just a few small lumps remaining. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be. If you want a smoother pudding, you can also blend the bananas in a food processor for a more uniform consistency.
2. Add Lemon Juice: To prevent the bananas from browning and to enhance their natural sweetness, add the tablespoon of lemon juice to the mashed bananas and stir it in well. The acidity from the lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the bananas and brings out their flavor.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

1. Combine the Butter, Milk, and Spices: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. If you want to add a little color and depth to your custard, now is the time to stir in the optional turmeric. This will give your pudding a warm, golden hue and a subtle earthy flavor. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as you don’t want it to scorch.
2. Mix the Egg Yolks and Cornstarch: While the milk and butter are heating, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together in a separate bowl. This mixture will help thicken the custard as it cooks. Once the egg yolk mixture is smooth, slowly pour it into the saucepan with the milk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
3. Cook the Custard: Continue to whisk the mixture over medium heat until it begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the custard is thickened and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the mashed bananas, and if desired, a pinch of extra salt to enhance the sweetness. The banana mixture should now have a creamy, smooth consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. Whisk the Chilled Cream: In a separate large bowl, pour the chilled cream and begin to whip it with an electric mixer or by hand using a whisk. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, and it becomes thick and fluffy. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can turn the cream into butter. You want the whipped cream to be airy and light.
2. Fold the Whipped Cream into the Custard: Once the custard has cooled slightly (it should still be warm but not hot), gently fold the whipped cream into the banana custard mixture. Use a spatula and be gentle to maintain the light, airy texture of the whipped cream. This step ensures the pudding is rich and creamy without being too heavy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pudding

1. Layer the Pudding: Spoon the banana pudding custard into individual serving bowls or into a large serving dish. The pudding should be layered generously. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer of pudding in each bowl. You can even chill the pudding in the fridge at this point for about 30 minutes if you prefer a cooler dessert.
2. Top with Whipped Cream: After the pudding has chilled slightly (or immediately after assembling if serving right away), top the banana pudding with the whipped cream. You can pipe the whipped cream into decorative swirls or simply spread it out with a spatula.
3. Optional Garnish: If desired, you can garnish the top with banana slices, crushed graham crackers, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. This adds a bit of texture and extra flavor to your pudding.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Allow the pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for a firmer consistency. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the pudding is perfectly set. Once chilled, serve and enjoy the creamy, banana-flavored dessert!

Timing Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 6-8)

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings. The following nutritional breakdown is approximate:

• Calories: 250 kcal per serving
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 50 mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.)

Why This Banana Pudding is Timeless

Banana pudding is a dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia for many people. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or a dish introduced at holiday gatherings, banana pudding brings people together. This version of banana pudding elevates the classic recipe by incorporating fresh, ripe bananas into the custard, creating a rich and creamy texture that’s unparalleled in flavor.

Here’s why this Banana Pudding with a Twist remains timeless:

1. Fresh Ingredients: By using fresh bananas and whipping the cream from scratch, you’re ensuring that every spoonful is packed with rich, natural flavors. The addition of freshly mashed bananas in the custard creates a deep, luscious flavor that truly stands out. This banana pudding is not made from pre-packaged mixes, which is why it tastes so much fresher and more decadent.
2. Versatility: Banana pudding can be enjoyed year-round and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you want to add a touch of vanilla, incorporate spices like cinnamon, or play with different toppings, banana pudding is a versatile dessert that allows you to get creative. It’s a dish that can evolve with the seasons and with your preferences.
3. Family Favorite: Banana pudding has a way of bringing people together. It’s a dish that’s loved by all ages—children adore its sweet taste, and adults appreciate its comfort-food appeal. Its creamy texture and the sweetness of bananas make it universally adored, which is why it’s a timeless classic.

FAQS

1. Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, this pudding tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make it a day ahead and let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different fruit instead of bananas?

While the recipe is designed specifically for bananas, you can certainly experiment with other fruits like strawberries or peaches. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change, but the pudding will still be delicious!

3. Can I substitute the cornstarch?

Yes, you can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or even a small amount of flour. However, cornstarch gives the custard the perfect thickness, so it’s recommended if you can.

4. Can I use a dairy-free version?

Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free cream substitute. Ensure the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold.
• Freezing: Freezing banana pudding is not recommended, as the texture may change and become watery when thawed.

Conclusion

This Banana Pudding with a Twist offers a fresh take on a beloved classic dessert, combining creamy custard, fresh bananas, and whipped cream to create a dish that is rich, smooth, and oh-so-indulgent. The natural sweetness of the bananas and the rich custard work together beautifully to deliver a dessert that everyone can enjoy. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of customization options, this banana pudding recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this pudding is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort, joy, and a touch of elegance to any meal. Enjoy making and sharing this timeless treat!