Description
Banana Pudding Tiramisu is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts—classic tiramisu and creamy banana pudding. This recipe features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, smooth banana-infused custard pudding, fresh banana slices, and whipped topping, all dusted with cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Perfect for a crowd, it combines rich flavors and textures to create an irresistible treat that’s best served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Base
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon banana extract (optional, but recommended!)
Additional Components
- 1 (12 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 1 (7 ounce) package ladyfingers (about 24-30 cookies)
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons banana liqueur (like crème de banane) or rum (optional)
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth to ensure no lumps in the pudding.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until slightly pale. Slowly drizzle 1 cup of the milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, stirring to combine.
- Cook the Custard: Over medium heat, stir constantly until thickened and simmering, about 5-7 minutes. The custard should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Flavor and Butter: Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and banana extract until melted and fully incorporated.
- Chill the Pudding: Transfer pudding to a bowl, cover surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to set and cool completely.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Once chilled, gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding to add lightness and creaminess.
- Prepare Coffee Soak: Brew strong coffee and let it cool completely. Mix cooled coffee with banana liqueur or rum if desired in a shallow dish for dipping ladyfingers.
- Slice and Toss Bananas: Just before assembling, slice bananas and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh-looking.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Lightly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak for a few seconds—do not soak too long or they’ll become soggy.
- First Layer Assembly: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish or trifle bowl to create a base.
- Spread Banana Pudding: Evenly spread half of the banana pudding mixture over the ladyfingers, creating a thick creamy layer.
- Add Banana Slices: Arrange half of the sliced bananas evenly over the pudding layer.
- Repeat Ladyfingers Layer: Dip the remaining ladyfingers in coffee soak and arrange them over the banana slices in an even layer.
- Second Pudding Layer: Spread the remaining banana pudding mixture over the second layer of ladyfingers evenly.
- Top with Bananas: Arrange the remaining banana slices over the final pudding layer for a beautiful presentation.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the entire dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and the dessert set properly.
- Dust with Cocoa: Before serving, generously dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu finish and extra flavor.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the harmonious blend of creamy banana pudding and coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the dessert to chill overnight before serving.
- Tempering the egg yolks is crucial to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth custard.
- If banana extract is unavailable, increase vanilla extract by 1 teaspoon for flavor balance.
- Adjust the soaking time of ladyfingers to avoid sogginess—quick dips work best.
- Use firm but ripe bananas to prevent mushiness in layers.
- The banana liqueur adds a subtle banana aroma but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
