Banana Pudding Bars: A Delectable Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re a fan of classic banana pudding but want to enjoy it in a more portable form, these Banana Pudding Bars are the perfect solution. They combine the creamy richness of homemade pudding with the delightful crunch of a vanilla wafer crust, topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream. This recipe will guide you through creating a dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering or serve as a delightful treat for your family. Let’s dive into the details and tips to ensure your Banana Pudding Bars turn out perfectly every time.
Nutritional Information
While these Banana Pudding Bars are a treat to savor, it’s always good to be aware of their nutritional content. Each bar is a combination of a buttery, crunchy crust, a creamy banana-flavored pudding, and a topping of sweet whipped cream. They offer a balance of textures and flavors that make every bite enjoyable.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Pudding:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup banana chips (such as Naturally Bare brand baked banana chips), plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1/4 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup very cold heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Crust
- Prepare the Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling that hangs off two sides. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are set.
- Process the Ingredients: In a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, pulse the vanilla wafer cookies, granulated sugar, and fine salt until they form even crumbs. This should take about 10 pulses.
- Incorporate the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter into the crumb mixture and pulse until it’s fully incorporated. The mixture should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand.
- Form the Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it firmly into an even layer at the bottom. Freeze the crust while you prepare the pudding to ensure it sets properly.
Making the Pudding
- Infuse the Milk: Place the whole milk and banana chips in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and fine salt to remove any lumps. Add the egg yolks and stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine and Cook: Use a slotted spoon to remove the banana chips from the milk. While whisking constantly, slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until it begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Making the Whipped Cream
- Prepare the Gelatin: Mix the unflavored powdered gelatin and water in a microwave-safe small bowl and let it stand for 5 minutes to bloom. Microwave the mixture for 7 to 10 seconds until the gelatin is melted.
- Whip the Cream: In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to soft peaks on medium speed. With the mixer running, slowly pour in the melted gelatin mixture and continue to whip to stiff peaks.
Assembling the Banana Pudding Bars
- Layer the Pudding: Remove the crust from the freezer. Pour the warm banana pudding over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Pile the whipped cream on top of the pudding, spreading it to the edges of the dish.
- Set the Bars: Wrap the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 3 hours, until the bars are fully set.
Serving and Storage
- Cutting the Bars: Using the parchment paper sling, carefully lift the set pudding slab from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into 12 bars.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish each bar with additional banana chips.
- Storing: Any leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the crust will soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy these bars fresh.
Tips for Success
- Parchment Sling: The parchment paper sling is crucial for easy removal of the bars from the pan. Make sure it hangs over the sides of the pan for easy lifting.
- Banana Chips: Using high-quality banana chips like the Naturally Bare brand will infuse a robust banana flavor into the pudding. Discarding the chips after infusing ensures a smooth texture.
- Tempering the Eggs: Pour the warm milk into the egg mixture slowly while whisking to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Gelatin in Whipped Cream: The gelatin stabilizes the whipped cream, ensuring it holds its shape and doesn’t deflate. This step is especially important if you plan to store the bars for a couple of days.
These Banana Pudding Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a family treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of making them, and most importantly, savor each delicious bite!
Variations and Additions
If you’re looking to add a personal twist to your Banana Pudding Bars, there are several variations and additions you can consider. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Chocolate Lovers’ Version
For those who can’t resist chocolate, consider incorporating a chocolate layer. After the pudding has been poured over the crust, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache before topping it with whipped cream. To make the ganache, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over 1 cup of chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the pudding layer and let it set before adding the whipped cream.
Nutty Banana Pudding Bars
Adding a crunchy texture can elevate your Banana Pudding Bars. Consider mixing chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crust mixture or sprinkling them on top of the whipped cream layer. You can also mix a tablespoon or two of nut butter into the pudding for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the banana.
Fruity Flair
For a burst of fresh fruit flavor, you can incorporate fresh slices of banana or other fruits into the layers. Arrange thinly sliced bananas or strawberries over the crust before pouring the pudding. This not only adds flavor but also makes the bars visually appealing with the vibrant fruit layers.
Caramel Drizzle
A drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream can add a rich, sweet flavor. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own by heating sugar until it caramelizes, then stirring in butter and heavy cream. Drizzle the caramel over the whipped cream layer just before serving for a luxurious finish.
Serving Suggestions
Banana Pudding Bars are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit the occasion:
- Individual Servings: Cut the bars into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Plated Dessert: Serve each bar on a dessert plate with a dollop of additional whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, and a few fresh banana slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.
- Picnic or Potluck: These bars are ideal for picnics and potlucks. Their portable nature means they can be easily transported and enjoyed outdoors or at casual gatherings.
Making Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the great advantages of Banana Pudding Bars is that they can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy hosts.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Crust: Prepare the crust up to three days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you are ready to assemble the bars.
- Pudding: The pudding can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good stir to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Whipped Cream: For best results, whip the cream just before assembling the bars. However, if necessary, you can prepare the stabilized whipped cream a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the crust may soften over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- Freezing: While the texture of the pudding may change slightly upon thawing, you can freeze the bars if needed. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. To serve, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight.
Troubleshooting
Even with the best planning, sometimes things don’t go exactly as expected. Here are a few common issues and solutions:
Pudding Not Setting
- Cause: This could be due to undercooking the pudding or not enough cornstarch.
- Solution: Ensure you cook the pudding until it thickens significantly. It should coat the back of a spoon. If necessary, you can reheat and cook it longer to thicken it.
Whipped Cream Deflating
- Cause: The gelatin may not have been fully dissolved, or the cream wasn’t whipped to stiff peaks.
- Solution: Make sure the gelatin is fully melted before adding it to the cream. Whip the cream to stiff peaks, meaning the peaks should stand up straight when you lift the whisk.
Crust Falling Apart
- Cause: The crust mixture may not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan.
- Solution: When forming the crust, press it very firmly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to ensure it holds together.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of traditional banana pudding with the convenience of a bar. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a creamy, crunchy, and delicious treat that is sure to please. With these tips, variations, and troubleshooting advice, you can confidently prepare and serve Banana Pudding Bars that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dessert and savor every bite of your homemade creation!
