If you’re chasing that next-level dessert that feels both nostalgic and totally irresistible, let me introduce you to Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream). This dreamy treat takes classic banana pudding up several notches: golden bananas caramelized in butter and brown sugar, lush homemade vanilla pudding, layers of crunchy vanilla wafers, and a cloud of cinnamon-kissed whipped cream. It’s the kind of showstopper everyone swoons over at gatherings, yet easy enough to treat yourself on a weeknight. Trust me, every spoonful is a hug for your taste buds.

Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a complicated list to create something magical—just a handful of kitchen staples, thoughtfully layered, deliver unforgettable flavor and texture in Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream). Each of these ingredients brings something essential to the party, whether it’s creamy richness, caramelized sweetness, or a hit of warm spice.

Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with brown speckles; they’ll be extra sweet and caramelize beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps turn the bananas irresistibly golden and toasty.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor on the bananas and makes them taste almost like banana foster.
Whole Milk: The base for a pudding that’s silky, not heavy, but rich enough for pure comfort.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pudding just enough to let the bananas and vanilla shine.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the pudding to that luscious, spoonable consistency.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the depth in all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Egg Yolks: Create a creamy, custardy texture that makes homemade pudding unbeatable.
Unsalted Butter (cubed): Swirled in at the end for extra gloss and flavor in the pudding.
Vanilla Extract: A classic aroma that ties this whole dessert together with comforting warmth.
Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped, it adds lightness and creates that dreamy topping.
Powdered Sugar: Gives the whipped cream stability and the perfect, barely-there sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Sprinkled in the whipped cream, it adds an unexpected yet perfect layer of warmth.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies: They add crunch, soak up pudding, and bring a nostalgic twist to every bite.

How to Make Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream)

Step 1: Caramelize the Bananas

Start by warming your skillet over medium heat and melting the butter. Scatter in the banana slices and follow with a generous sprinkle of brown sugar. Give it all a gentle stir and let the bananas cook for a few minutes until they’re glossy, golden, and their caramel aroma fills your kitchen. Don’t rush this part—the caramelization sets the tone for every bite. Once ready, remove from heat and allow them to cool slightly while you tackle the pudding.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding

In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and that crucial pinch of salt. Place it over medium heat and keep whisking—it’ll start to thicken and bubble, which is your signal to take the next step. Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks in a small bowl. Gently whisk a bit of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them (this keeps things creamy and smooth, no scrambled eggs here!). Pour this egg yolk mix back into the pot, stirring constantly, and let it cook for another few minutes until thick and luxurious. Finish by stirring in the cubed butter and vanilla—it should look glossy and smell like a dessert dream.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cinnamon Whipped Cream

The signature flourish of Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) is its pillowy whipped topping, flecked with warming cinnamon. Grab your mixer and combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Beat it on high until soft peaks form. The result? A whipped cream that’s anything but ordinary, with hints of spice ready to play off the sweetness of the pudding and bananas.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

The magic is in the layers! Begin with vanilla wafers in your favorite dessert glasses or a trifle dish, followed by a layer of pudding, then some of your caramelized bananas, and a generous dollop of cinnamon whipped cream. Keep going, repeating those layers, finishing with a flourish of whipped cream and a nice sprinkling of crushed wafer cookies for crunch and flair. Each layer melds together into pure dessert delight.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Now, patience pays off—chill your assembled Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) in the fridge for at least an hour. This down time lets the flavors blend, the wafers soften ever so slightly, and the whole dessert become that much more drool-worthy when you dive in.

How to Serve Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream)

Garnishes

Top each serving with extra cinnamon whipped cream and sprinkle with a handful of finely crushed vanilla wafers. For an extra wow factor, grate a little fresh cinnamon or chocolate over the top, or add a pretty banana slice or two as a finishing touch—simple but totally restaurant worthy!

Side Dishes

Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) is truly a dessert centerpiece, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh berries (like strawberries or blueberries) or a scoop of vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream for an indulgent twist. A mug of strong coffee or an after-dinner espresso beautifully complements the creamy pudding and caramel notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Try assembling individual parfaits in mason jars for picnics, serve mini puddings in espresso cups for a party, or layer everything in a vintage trifle dish to make a stunning family-style statement. You can even pre-portion the pudding in small glass jars as a make-ahead treat for lunchboxes or picnic baskets—easy, portable, and always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps perfectly for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for an even dreamier dessert the next day. Just be sure to tuck it away in an airtight container to keep those wafers as crisp as possible.

Freezing

While banana pudding is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze individual portions for longer storage. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge. Just know that the texture of the wafers may change—they’ll soften, but it’s still a delicious, creamy treat!

Reheating

Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer a warmer pudding, scoop some into a microwave-safe dish and heat in short 15-second bursts, stirring gently. Avoid overheating—the whipped cream will melt, but the flavors will remain just as luscious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pudding instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! While homemade pudding brings an unbeatable richness to Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream), you can swap in your favorite boxed vanilla pudding to save time. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy to stand up to the bananas and whipped cream.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time for a party?

Yes, and it actually gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. Assemble your Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) up to a day ahead. Wait to add the final whipped cream and garnishes until just before serving for picture-perfect presentation.

What’s the best way to keep bananas from turning brown?

Caramelizing the bananas not only boosts their flavor but helps lock in their color. Make sure the bananas are completely coated in the buttery brown sugar glaze, and layer them into the pudding promptly for the best appearance and taste.

Can I use a dairy-free milk or vegan substitutes?

Definitely! Swap in almond, coconut, or oat milk for the pudding base, use plant-based butter, and whip coconut cream with cinnamon and powdered sugar for a vegan topping. The dessert may be a touch less rich, but it’s still utterly crave-worthy.

How can I prevent my pudding from becoming lumpy?

Whisk constantly as you cook the pudding and temper the egg yolks slowly by adding a bit of the hot milk mixture before combining everything. This method ensures your homemade pudding will be silky smooth, worthy of spotlighting in Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream).

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) enough for anyone craving a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. With layers of creamy pudding, sweet caramelized bananas, and cinnamon-whipped clouds, every bite is a celebration. Can’t wait for you to give this a try and see it disappear right before your eyes!

Caramelized Banana Pudding (With Cinnamon Whipped Cream) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Caramelized Banana Pudding with a delightful twist of Cinnamon Whipped Cream. Layers of sweet caramelized bananas, creamy pudding, and spiced whipped cream make this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Bananas:

3 ripe bananas (sliced)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar

Pudding:

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Whipped Cream:

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Vanilla wafer cookies (for layering and garnish)

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Instructions

Caramelized Bananas: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add sliced bananas and brown sugar. Cook until caramelized. Set aside.
Pudding: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook until thickened. Temper egg yolks and combine with mixture. Stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until soft peaks form.
Assembly: Layer cookies, pudding, bananas, and whipped cream in glasses. Repeat layers. Chill before serving.