Description
Banana Pudding Tiramisu is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts—banana pudding and classic tiramisu. This creamy, layered dessert features smooth banana-flavored custard, tender ladyfingers soaked in coffee and banana liqueur, and fresh bananas, all topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for banana lovers looking for a creamy, coffee-infused treat with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Mixture
- 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)
Other Ingredients
- 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: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they turn slightly pale. Slowly drizzle one cup of the milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper them and prevent curdling.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture and stir well.
- Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches a simmer, about 5 to 7 minutes. The custard should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and banana extract (if using) until the butter melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
- Chill the Custard: Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, until fully chilled.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Once chilled, gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the custard to lighten it.
- Prepare Coffee Soak: Brew strong coffee and allow it to cool completely. In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee with banana liqueur or rum if using.
- Prepare Bananas: Just before assembling, slice the bananas and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Lightly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for a few seconds without soaking them excessively.
- First Ladyfinger Layer: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish or trifle bowl.
- First Custard Layer: Spread half of the banana pudding mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- First Banana Layer: Arrange half of the sliced bananas evenly over the pudding layer.
- Second Ladyfinger Layer: Dip the remaining ladyfingers quickly in the coffee soak and arrange them over the banana slices.
- Second Custard Layer: Spread the remaining banana pudding evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Second Banana Layer: Arrange the remaining sliced bananas on top of the final pudding layer.
- Chill the Assembled Dessert: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Slice, plate, and enjoy your Banana Pudding Tiramisu!
Notes
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them immediately with lemon juice after slicing.
- Use strong brewed coffee for the best flavor contrast with the sweet custard.
- The banana extract is optional but enhances the banana flavor without adding extra sweetness or moisture.
- Ladyfingers should be dipped quickly to avoid sogginess; they should remain slightly firm to hold layers.
- This dessert is best after chilling overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- If banana liqueur or rum is unavailable, you may omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American