Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and redefine your dessert experience! This isn't just another banana pudding recipe - it's a decadent symphony of creamy vanilla pudding, perfectly ripe bananas, and a luxurious salted caramel sauce that will make your guests swoon. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or simply craving a show-stopping sweet treat, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game from ordinary to extraordinary in just 50 minutes.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 box vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla pudding base by whisking together the pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the chilled pudding mixture into the whipped cream, creating a light and creamy pudding mixture.
- Slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Set aside a few slices for garnish.
- For the salted caramel sauce, place the granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt without stirring, gently swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even heating.
- When the sugar turns a deep amber color, carefully add the unsalted butter. Whisk continuously until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the caramel from heat and slowly stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- In a serving dish, create layers by alternating pudding mixture and banana slices. Start with a layer of pudding, then add banana slices, and repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Drizzle the warm salted caramel sauce over the layered pudding, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Garnish the top with the reserved banana slices and an additional sprinkle of sea salt if desired.
- Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set completely.
- Serve chilled, with extra salted caramel sauce on the side for those who want an additional drizzle.
Tips
- Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm - they should have a few brown spots for maximum sweetness without being mushy.
- When making caramel, resist the urge to stir. Instead, gently swirl the pan to ensure even heating and prevent sugar crystallization.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for the caramel to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
- For the fluffiest pudding, ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping.
- Let the pudding rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and develop a perfect texture.
- For a professional presentation, use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers.
- If you want extra richness, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
