Bananas Foster Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Bananas Foster Pudding is a decadent twist on the classic Southern banana pudding. It blends creamy vanilla pudding and layers of bananas with a luscious, rum-infused caramel sauce — a nod to the famous New Orleans dessert, Bananas Foster. This show-stopping treat is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you want to impress without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Bananas (Foster Topping):

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp dark rum (optional — can substitute with 1 tbsp water + ½ tsp rum extract)

For the Pudding Base:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
• 1–2 ripe bananas, sliced

For Layering:

• 1½–2 cups vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers
• Additional whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Crushed nuts or cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Pudding:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Fold in the whipped topping for a light, creamy texture. Chill in the fridge while preparing the rest.

2. Prepare the Bananas Foster Sauce:

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook until it bubbles and thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add sliced bananas and stir gently to coat.
4. Pour in vanilla and rum (or substitute), and cook for another minute until fragrant and syrupy.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Pudding:

1. In a trifle dish or serving glasses, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding.
2. Add a spoonful of the bananas foster sauce.
3. Repeat layers until you fill the dish, finishing with pudding and a generous drizzle of the foster topping.

4. Chill & Serve:

• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) for best texture. Top with whipped cream and crushed nuts if desired.

Description

This Bananas Foster Pudding is rich, creamy, and layered with silky vanilla custard, soft banana slices, and a warm spiced caramel sauce that’s deeply flavored with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of rum. It’s a perfect combination of comfort and indulgence in every spoonful.

Tips

• Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy layers.
• For extra flavor, toast your vanilla wafers before layering.
• Chill the pudding well to allow the cookies to soften into a cake-like texture.
• Make the caramel just before assembling so it stays pourable.
• If you want a boozier dessert, increase the rum slightly and flambé it carefully (if experienced).

Variations

• Make it a pie: Pour into a graham cracker crust and chill like a no-bake pie.
• Boozy trifle: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the pudding mix.
• Chocolate twist: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or layer with chocolate pudding for a Bananas Foster-Chocolate hybrid.
• Nutty crunch: Add toasted pecans or walnuts between layers for texture.

Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

• Pudding too thin? Make sure to use cold milk and allow it to set before layering.
• Bananas turning brown? Toss them in a little lemon juice if not using immediately.
• Caramel crystallizing? Stir constantly and keep heat moderate — don’t let sugar burn.
• Cookies staying too crunchy? Let the pudding rest longer to absorb moisture.

Enjoy!

Serve chilled with an extra drizzle of caramel, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nuts. Bananas Foster Pudding brings all the drama and flavor of a classic flambé dessert — but in an easy, no-bake, crowd-pleasing form!