Baked Banana Pudding - Food Wishes

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: whipped topping

Coconut cream adds richness with fewer calories.

vanilla pudding mix

🥗Healthier: homemade custard

💰Cheaper: instant pudding

Homemade custard enhances flavor without preservatives.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds sweetness with a unique flavor.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: almond extract

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor.

Separate 4 large eggs, placing the whites in a mixing bowl and the yolks in a saucepan.

Add a little sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yolks, then splash in about 1/4 of the milk and mix until smooth.

Pour in the remaining milk and mix until combined.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, testing with your finger for heat.

Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract, banana liqueur (if using), and cold butter until the butter is melted and incorporated.

Slice 3-4 very ripe bananas into about 1/4 inch slices and toss them in a bowl with a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Transfer about a quarter of the pudding into the bottom of a baking dish, then layer with mini vanilla wafer cookies.

Top the cookies with half of the banana slices, then spread half of the remaining pudding over the bananas.

Optionally, scatter a handful of chocolate chips over this layer.

Add a second layer of vanilla wafers, using fewer cookies than the first layer, then top with the rest of the banana slices and the remaining pudding.

Tap the baking dish to settle the pudding and remove air pockets.

For the meringue, add a pinch of cream of tartar to the egg whites and whip until foamy, then gradually add sugar while continuing to whip until soft peaks form.

Spread the meringue over the pudding, creating ridges for better browning.

Transfer to a preheated 400°F oven for 7-10 minutes until the meringue is browned.

Serve warm or let cool for a more pronounced banana flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens