Description
This silky banana custard is a creamy, luscious dessert made with ripe bananas, rich whole milk, and a smooth custard base thickened with egg yolks and cornstarch. Perfect as a standalone treat or as a filling for pastries, this recipe delivers a naturally sweet and comforting flavor with the warmth of vanilla and a buttery finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 4 egg yolks
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the bananas and milk mixture: Peel and mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until no large chunks remain. Place the mashed bananas in a large saucepan, add the whole milk and vanilla bean paste, and stir to combine. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble, then remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Whisk the egg mixture: In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk them vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes lighter in color and fluffy, which helps create a smooth custard texture.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the cooled banana and milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Pour the liquid down the side of the bowl to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly. Continue whisking until fully incorporated.
- Cook the custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low-medium heat. Stir continuously with a whisk until the custard thickens and bubbles, achieving a pudding-like consistency. Remove from the heat once thickened.
- Finalize the custard: Stir in the butter and salt while whisking until the butter melts completely and the custard is smooth and glossy.
- Chill the custard: Transfer the banana custard to a heatproof bowl and cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Seal and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the custard chilled as a dessert on its own or use as a filling for cakes, tarts, or pastries for a deliciously creamy banana flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor.
- Whisk constantly while cooking the custard to prevent it from curdling or sticking to the pan.
- The plastic wrap pressed on the custard’s surface prevents a skin from forming as it cools.
- This custard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute milk with a lower-fat option, though it may affect creaminess.
- Vanilla bean paste adds more depth of flavor compared to extract but either works well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana custard, creamy dessert, banana dessert, custard recipe, homemade banana pudding
