Delightful Banana Pudding Tiramisu with Caramel

Ingredients

• 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)

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.
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.