Banana’s Foster Banana Pudding is a delicious twist on a classic comfort dessert, mixing layers of creamy banana pudding and caramelized bananas cooked in that rich, buttery brown sugar sauce you find in bananas foster. With each bite, you get soft pudding, sweet bananas, and a hint of warm spices that make this dessert feel extra special.
I love making this pudding when I want something that feels both cozy and a little fancy without much fuss. The caramelized bananas give it a nice touch that reminds me of going out for dessert, but it’s super easy to make at home. I usually let it chill for a bit so the flavors meld together perfectly—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
My favorite way to serve it is in small glass bowls or jars so you can see all the lovely layers. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top to make it feel even more inviting. It’s a great dessert to share with family or friends, especially when you want to turn regular bananas into something memorable and sweet.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas to get the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas can get mushy when layered, but if you like it softer, they work too.
Dark Rum: This adds authentic bananas foster flavor. If you prefer no alcohol, use a splash of vanilla extract or just leave it out.
Vanilla Wafers: These add a gentle crisp contrast. Graham crackers or shortbread cookies can work if vanilla wafers aren’t available.
Mini Marshmallows: Optional, but they toast beautifully on top giving a nice texture. You can skip or use large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
How Do You Get the Perfect Caramelized Bananas Foster Sauce?
The sauce is the heart of this recipe, and making it right is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Melt butter first, then add both sugars and cinnamon to get a thick syrupy base.
- Add rum carefully and let it bubble gently—avoid boiling hard to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat before adding vanilla to keep its aroma bright.
- Let sauce cool slightly to thicken so it doesn’t make the cookies soggy right away.
This sauce is your dessert’s flavor star, so take it slow and enjoy the sweet buttery smell as it cooks!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – I use this to make the caramelized bananas foster sauce because it heats evenly and is easy to stir.
- Mixing bowls – helpful for whisking the pudding mix and preparing the whipped topping smoothly.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect for layering the pudding, cookies, bananas, and topping all in one space.
- Kitchen torch or broiler – fun for lightly browning marshmallows and whipped topping for that toasted look and flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace bananas with sliced strawberries or peaches for a fruity twist that pairs well with caramel sauce.
- Use coconut-flavored whipped topping or add shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for a crunchy, nutty addition.
- Swap vanilla wafers for graham cracker crumbs or chocolate cookies for a different flavor base.
Banana’s Foster Banana Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bananas Foster Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Pudding Layers:
- 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 package (about 3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookies (or Nilla wafers)
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed, or freshly whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble. Then, you’ll want to let it chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator so the flavors can blend and the pudding sets nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bananas Foster Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until everything is melted and combined. Carefully add the rum (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool a bit.
2. Prepare the Pudding:
In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Layers:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the bananas foster sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of vanilla wafer cookies over the sauce, then a layer of sliced bananas. Pour half of the pudding over the bananas and cookies. Repeat with another layer of cookies, bananas, and the rest of the pudding.
4. Add the Topping and Toast:
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the final pudding layer. If you like, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to lightly brown the marshmallows and whipped topping until golden and toasted—watch carefully to avoid burning!
5. Chill and Serve:
Drizzle any remaining bananas foster sauce over the top. Cover and refrigerate the pudding for at least 3 hours or overnight. Serve chilled, enjoying the creamy, caramelized banana goodness with a toasted finish.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh ripe bananas for this pudding to keep the texture firm and flavorful. If you use frozen bananas, thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture that can make the pudding soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Dark Rum?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply omit the rum and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to keep the rich flavor. You can also use rum extract as a non-alcoholic alternative.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Banana’s Foster Banana Pudding?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the softer the cookies will become, but the flavors usually improve after a day.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight when the layers have time to meld. Just be sure to toast the marshmallows right before serving if possible to keep them fresh and fluffy.
