Banana Foster Pudding

To make this decadent dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

#### For the Pudding:
– **2 cups whole milk**
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 cup granulated sugar**
– **3 large egg yolks**
– **2 tablespoons cornstarch**
– **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**

#### For the Banana Foster Sauce:
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**
– **1/2 cup packed brown sugar**
– **2 tablespoons dark rum**
– **2 ripe bananas, sliced**
– **1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon** (optional, for extra warmth)

#### For the Assembly:
– **Vanilla wafer cookies** (about 20-30, depending on the size of your serving dish)
– **2 ripe bananas, sliced**

### Instructions: How to Make Banana Foster Pudding

#### Step 1: Prepare the Pudding

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the **milk**, **heavy cream**, and **granulated sugar** over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to steam and the sugar has dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the **egg yolks**, **cornstarch**, **vanilla extract**, and **salt** until smooth.
3. Once the milk mixture is heated, slowly pour a small amount of it into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
4. Gradually add the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.

#### Step 2: Make the Banana Foster Sauce

1. In a separate skillet, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Add the **brown sugar** and cook, stirring, until the sugar is melted and bubbly (about 2 minutes).
2. Carefully add the **dark rum** to the skillet and let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to thicken slightly. (Note: You can skip the rum if you prefer a non-alcoholic version).
3. Add the **sliced bananas** and **cinnamon** (if using) to the skillet, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, gently stirring to coat the bananas in the caramel sauce. Once the bananas are softened and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Banana Foster Pudding

1. In a serving dish (such as a 9×9-inch baking dish or a trifle bowl), start by layering a base of **vanilla wafer cookies** at the bottom of the dish.
2. Spoon a layer of **pudding** over the cookies, spreading it out evenly.
3. Add a layer of **banana slices** on top of the pudding, followed by a drizzle of the **banana foster sauce** (including the caramelized bananas).
4. Repeat the layers, starting with the cookies, followed by pudding, banana slices, and the sauce, until the dish is full. Finish with a final layer of pudding and a few more banana slices on top for decoration.
5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least **2 hours** to allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set.

#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the Banana Foster Pudding has chilled, it’s ready to serve. Scoop out individual portions and enjoy the layers of creamy custard, sweet bananas, and the deliciously rich banana foster sauce. You can garnish with whipped cream, extra banana slices, or even a few extra crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

### Tips for Perfect Banana Foster Pudding

– **Use Ripe Bananas**: The best bananas for this pudding are slightly overripe. They’ll be sweeter and softer, making them perfect for the pudding layers.
– **Make It Ahead**: This pudding is actually better when made ahead of time. Letting it chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to come together and the texture to set.
– **Optional Alcohol-Free Version**: If you prefer not to use rum, you can substitute with a bit of rum extract or simply make the sauce without alcohol for a non-alcoholic version.
– **Texture**: For a thicker pudding, add a little extra cornstarch to the pudding mixture. If you prefer a thinner custard, you can reduce the cornstarch slightly.

### Why You’ll Fall in Love with Banana Foster Pudding

Banana Foster Pudding takes the classic banana pudding to a whole new level. The caramelized banana sauce adds a deep, rich flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, smooth custard. Plus, the texture contrast between the soft bananas, crispy vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding is absolutely irresistible.

This dessert is the perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and indulgent flavors with just a touch of warmth from the rum-soaked banana foster sauce. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering and will leave your guests asking for the recipe!

### Conclusion

Banana Foster Pudding is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves banana pudding with a twist. With its layers of sweet, rich banana foster sauce, velvety custard, and soft vanilla wafers, this dessert is the perfect way to end any meal on a sweet note. So, gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Banana Foster Pudding with your loved ones!