If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting, then you are going to adore this Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream Recipe. This dreamy pudding brings together the rich, caramel-like warmth of butterscotch with the tropical sweetness of roasted bananas, all crowned with a fluffy banana-infused whipped cream that adds an irresistible depth. Each spoonful offers a beautiful balance of silky texture and lively flavor, making it a perfect ending to any meal or a special treat to savor on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of making this Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to build the pudding’s creamy consistency, bold butterscotch notes, and luscious banana topping, creating layers of flavor and texture that sing together harmoniously.
- Dark brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a deep molasses flavor, it’s the heart of the butterscotch.
- Kosher or flaky sea salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent to give your pudding that silky, pudding-perfect texture.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness foundational to the pudding’s body.
- Heavy cream: Elevates the dessert’s richness and creates a velvety mouthfeel.
- Unsalted butter: Provides smoothness and a touch of indulgence both in the pudding and roasted bananas.
- Pure vanilla extract: Delivers warmth and fragrant undertones that round out the butterscotch flavor.
- Ripe bananas: The superstar for roasting, infusing natural sweetness and a lovely caramelized edge.
- Softly whipped cream: Lightens the roasted banana topping with fluffy texture and extra creaminess.
How to Make Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butterscotch Pudding Base
Start by whisking together your dark brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. This dry mix is essential because it ensures no lumps and a smooth pudding texture. Then, gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, which will lend the luxurious creaminess you’re craving. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while whisking constantly—the key to achieving that rich butterscotch flavor is to allow it to cook through for a full minute once boiling. When you take it off the stove, stir in the butter and vanilla extract for that unbelievably smooth finish.
Step 2: Chill the Pudding Correctly
Once your pudding base is ready, pour it into a bowl or container, and here’s a little trick to keep it silky smooth: cover the surface with wax paper or plastic wrap pressed directly onto it. This prevents a skin from forming, which can make the texture less appealing. Refrigerate the pudding for at least one and a half hours to let it set beautifully.
Step 3: Roast the Bananas for Maximum Flavor
This step is where the magic of the roasted banana whipped cream starts. Heat butter and brown sugar in a large pan until fully melted and combined, creating a sticky caramel sauce. Adding in the banana pieces, gently caramelize them by turning so each side gets a golden, slightly crispy edge while keeping the middle tender without turning mushy. This delicate roasting brings out a complex sweetness and depth that fresh bananas just can’t match.
Step 4: Create the Roasted Banana Whipped Cream
Let your roasted bananas cool a bit before taking about one banana portion, including some of the caramel sauce, and blending it until smooth. Fold this puree into your softly whipped cream to infuse it with that roasted banana richness. Taste as you go—add more if you want that banana flavor to shine brightly. This whipped cream is an unexpected, delightful crowd-pleaser on its own!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now comes the best part: serving your pudding! Spoon the creamy butterscotch pudding into individual bowls or glasses, then crown each with a generous dollop of the roasted banana whipped cream. Top with extra roasted bananas for a touch of textural contrast that will make you swoon with every bite.
How to Serve Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and texture, consider sprinkling toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or dust a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top to complement the warm flavors. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce would also add a gorgeous sheen and extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This pudding stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple espresso or a glass of dessert wine to balance the sweetness. For a bit more fruitiness, fresh berries or a tangy berry compote on the side can provide a fresh contrast that keeps each bite vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the pudding, whipped cream, and roasted bananas in clear parfait glasses for a stunning visual effect that lets all the textures shine through. You can also pipe the whipped cream using a star nozzle to add a touch of elegance or serve in mini mason jars for charming, portable servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separate the whipped cream topping to maintain its fluffiness and add it fresh before serving, so everything tastes just as delightful as on day one.
Freezing
While the pudding itself can be frozen in an airtight container, the roasted banana whipped cream is best made fresh to preserve its airy texture. If you freeze the pudding, thaw it gently in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, gently heat the pudding in a double boiler or microwave on low in short intervals, stirring often. Add whipped cream and roasted bananas fresh after warming to retain the full flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use ripe plantains instead of bananas?
Absolutely! Ripe plantains offer a firmer texture and a slightly earthier sweetness when roasted, which can give your whipped cream a unique twist.
Is it possible to make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut milk for whole milk and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, along with a vegan butter alternative. The result will be deliciously creamy with a subtle coconut undertone.
How long does the pudding take to set properly?
Chilling for at least one and a half hours is essential for it to set up perfectly. If you want a firmer pudding, you can refrigerate it a bit longer, even overnight.
Can I prepare the roasted banana whipped cream in advance?
While you can prepare it a few hours ahead, it’s best to fold in the banana puree right before serving to keep the whipped cream light and airy.
What’s the best type of brown sugar to use?
Dark brown sugar is preferred because it contains more molasses, which deepens the butterscotch flavor wonderfully, but light brown sugar can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream Recipe is a true celebration of classic, comforting flavors with a deliciously modern twist. It’s one of those desserts that effortlessly impresses whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand how the layers of buttery butterscotch and caramelized banana come together in pure harmony. Enjoy every spoonful!
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Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This luscious Butterscotch Pudding with Roasted Banana Whipped Cream combines a rich, creamy butterscotch base with the sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted bananas blended into fluffy whipped cream. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, this dessert is an indulgent treat that is easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Butterscotch Pudding
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or flaky sea salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon additional)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Roasted Bananas
- 4 ripe bananas (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (half stick)
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
Banana Whipped Cream
- 2 cups softly whipped cream (or 1 cup heavy cream to whip yourself)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butterscotch Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium, whisking frequently until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, continue whisking constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Chill the Pudding: Pour the pudding into a bowl or container. Cover the surface directly with wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 1 1/2 hours until well chilled and set.
- Roast the Bananas: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Stir continuously to prevent scorching and cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is syrupy. Add the banana pieces and cook for about 1 minute, turning gently so each side caramelizes but the bananas retain some firmness. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Prepare the Banana Whipped Cream: Once the roasted banana mixture has cooled, transfer about one-quarter of the bananas with some of the syrup to a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth, then fold this puree into the whipped cream. Taste and adjust by adding more pureed bananas if a stronger banana flavor is desired.
- Serve: Spoon the chilled butterscotch pudding into serving dishes, then top generously with the roasted banana whipped cream and some of the leftover roasted bananas for garnish. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Covering the pudding surface with plastic wrap prevents a skin from forming, which keeps the texture smooth.
- Use ripe but firm bananas to achieve caramelized pieces without them becoming mushy.
- If you prefer, you can whip your own cream instead of using pre-whipped cream.
- This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- The recipe yields 4 servings.
