Banana Caramel Cream Dessert
This Banana Caramel Cream Dessert is a comforting, indulgent treat made with ripe bananas, silky caramel, and layers of pastry cream and whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Essentials
- 2 pieces ripe bananas soft but not mushy, look for brown speckles for best flavor
- 1 cup homemade pastry cream thick, vanilla-flavored custard (store-bought shortcut possible)
- 1 cup caramel sauce smooth and pourable, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup whipped cream stabilized or fresh for a light top layer
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs finely crushed for a buttery crust
- 2 tablespoons butter melted, to bind the graham crumbs into a crust
Optional add-ons
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt for sprinkling on the final caramel drizzle
- toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
- mini chocolate chips or a light dusting of cocoa powder, for decoration
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon mixed into the pastry cream for warm spice
- thinly sliced strawberries or berries to brighten the plate
Instructions
Preparation
- Clear a section of counter and gather a medium mixing bowl, measuring cups, a rubber spatula, a sharp knife, and a 9x9-inch square serving dish.
- If making homemade pastry cream, have it chilled in the fridge.
Make the graham cracker crust
- Combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a medium bowl.
- Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and hold together when pressed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the serving dish to create an even crust.
First layer of pastry cream
- Spoon half of the pastry cream over the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly.
Add sliced bananas
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Arrange half of the banana slices in a single layer over the pastry cream.
Drizzle with caramel sauce
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the banana layer.
Whipped cream layer
- Spread half of the whipped cream over the caramel layer.
Repeat the layers
- Repeat the sequence: spread the remaining pastry cream, arrange the remaining banana slices, drizzle the remaining caramel, and top with the remaining whipped cream.
Final touches and chilling
- Finish with a final drizzle of caramel over the top whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts or sea salt.
- Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably 3–4.
Notes
This dessert is homey enough for family nights but pretty enough for guests. Serve chilled with an extra spoonful of caramel on the side.