Description
Creamy Banana Custard Cups are a delightful homemade dessert featuring smooth, rich custard layered with sweet, ripe bananas. This easy-to-make treat combines the classic flavors of vanilla and buttery custard with fresh banana slices, topped with whipped cream and optional crushed vanilla wafers for added texture. Perfect for a comforting dessert that requires no baking, just stovetop cooking and chilling.
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
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt until thoroughly combined to ensure a smooth custard base.
- Combine egg yolks and milk: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of the whole milk until smooth and well blended to prevent curdling when added to heat.
- Add remaining milk and heat: Gradually pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk into the saucepan with the dry ingredients, whisking continuously. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, which typically takes about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Incorporate egg yolk mixture: Slowly whisk the egg yolk and milk mixture into the thickened base. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard is thick, smooth, and fully cooked without boiling.
- Finish custard: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts and the custard is glossy and smooth.
- Cool the custard: Let the custard cool at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to slightly thicken before assembling the dessert cups.
- Layer custard and bananas: In individual serving cups or ramekins, alternate layers of sliced ripe bananas and custard. This layering not only enhances flavor but also adds a pleasing texture contrast.
- Chill: Cover the cups with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and garnish: Just before serving, top each custard cup with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for an optional crunchy garnish.
Notes
- For best texture, slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Consider layering in crushed vanilla wafers between the custard and banana slices for a pudding-style dessert with added crunch.
- The custard should be stirred constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Allow the custard to cool slightly before layering to prevent melting the whipped cream topping.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and chilled overnight for convenience and enhanced flavor.
