Looking for a delightful twist on two classic desserts? This banana pudding tiramisu marries the creamy, dreamy layers of tiramisu with the sweet, comforting flavor of banana pudding. With its no-bake nature and luscious caramel drizzle, this dessert is perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this indulgent delight that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• For the Banana Pudding Layer:
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced (look for bananas with brown speckles for optimal sweetness)
  • 2 cups whole milk (whole milk provides a creamier texture; alternatives like almond or oat milk can also be used)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (this provides the primary sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference)
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch (this is essential for thickening the pudding; make sure it’s fresh for best results)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the pudding)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (this will be whipped for a light, airy texture)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (this will sweeten the whipped cream and help stabilize it)
• For the Tiramisu Layer:
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (espresso works best; brew it strong for a richer flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional; enhances the coffee flavor; omit if you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert)
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese (choose high-quality mascarpone for a rich and creamy layer)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (again, whipped for a fluffy texture; you can use dairy-free alternatives if needed)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sweeten the mascarpone layer)
• For Assembly:
  • 24 ladyfingers (savoiardi are traditional; ensure they are fresh for the best texture)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade; a homemade sauce can elevate the flavor profile)
  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional; use high-quality chocolate for shavings)

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool for 10 minutes; this cooling step is crucial to prevent the whipped cream from melting when combined.
2. Make the Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cooled banana pudding mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The goal is to achieve a light and airy consistency that enhances the pudding layer.
3. Prepare the Tiramisu Layer: In another bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This can take about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; this should also take around 2-3 minutes. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined, ensuring you maintain the light texture.
4. Combine Coffee and Liqueur: In a shallow dish, mix the cooled coffee with coffee liqueur if using. This mixture will be used to dip the ladyfingers. Ensure the coffee is not too hot to prevent the ladyfingers from becoming too soggy during assembly.
5. Assemble the Dessert: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. A quick dip of about 1-2 seconds on each side is ideal. Lay them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish, making sure they are close together for an even layer.
6. Add Layers: Spread half of the banana pudding mixture over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to smooth the layers evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers, banana pudding, and mascarpone mixture, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and textures.
7. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly, resulting in a more cohesive flavor and better sliceability.
8. Drizzle with Caramel: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the dessert. Optionally, sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for added decoration, which not only enhances the appearance but also adds a touch of rich flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the dessert even more delicious as it sits.
• Make-Ahead Option: This banana pudding tiramisu is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance, allowing for optimal flavor and texture; this is particularly helpful for parties or gatherings.
• Avoid Soggy Ladyfingers: Be careful not to soak the ladyfingers too long in the coffee mixture. A quick dip is all they need to absorb enough flavor without becoming mushy. Remember, a perfectly soaked ladyfinger has a slight give when pressed but holds its shape.
• Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality mascarpone cheese will elevate the flavor of your tiramisu layer significantly. Additionally, opt for fresh, ripe bananas to enhance the sweetness and texture of the banana pudding layer, ensuring a delightful experience in every bite.

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: To make this dessert dairy-free, substitute the mascarpone cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Ensure that the ladyfingers are also dairy-free for a completely accommodating treat.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding different flavors to the layers, such as a layer of peanut butter to complement the bananas, or use chocolate-flavored ladyfingers for an extra twist. You might also consider adding a hint of almond extract to the banana pudding for a unique flavor profile.

Print

Delightful Banana Pudding Tiramisu with Caramel

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 8 +

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

10 min

🔥

Calories

—

This banana pudding tiramisu marries the creamy, dreamy layers of tiramisu with the sweet, comforting flavor of banana pudding. With its no-bake nature and luscious caramel drizzle, this dessert is perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• For the Banana Pudding Layer:
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• For the Tiramisu Layer:
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• For Assembly:
• 24 ladyfingers
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

Directions

1.

Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool for 10 minutes.

2.

Make the Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cooled banana pudding mixture.

3.

Prepare the Tiramisu Layer: In another bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

4.

Combine Coffee and Liqueur: In a shallow dish, mix the cooled coffee with coffee liqueur if using.

5.

Assemble the Dessert: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture and lay them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish.

6.

Add Layers: Spread half of the banana pudding mixture over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the mascarpone mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

7.

Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

8.

Drizzle with Caramel: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the dessert.