Description
Delight in these creamy banana custard cups, a smooth and luscious dessert featuring homemade custard layered with fresh sliced bananas, topped with whipped cream and optional crunchy vanilla wafer garnish. This easy stovetop recipe offers a comforting American classic that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt to evenly combine these dry components essential for thickening your custard.
- Mix egg yolks and milk: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of the milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain for a creamy custard texture.
- Combine milk and dry mix: Gradually pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk into the dry ingredient mixture in the saucepan while whisking to fully integrate all ingredients before heating.
- Cook mixture until thickened: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk as the custard base cooks, thickening in about 4 to 6 minutes; careful to prevent burning or clumping.
- Incorporate egg yolk mixture: Slowly add the egg yolk and milk mixture to the thickened custard base. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 more minutes until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
- Finish custard: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the custard is fully smooth and glossy, then set aside to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Assemble dessert cups: In individual serving cups or ramekins, layer sliced bananas with the warm custard. Repeat layers as desired for a balanced flavor in each bite.
- Chill: Cover the assembled cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and meld the flavors.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers if using, adding texture and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent them from browning and maintain a fresh look.
- For an added pudding-style twist, layer vanilla wafers between banana slices and custard layers.
- This dessert is best served chilled but remove from the fridge a few minutes before serving for the best custard texture.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
