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Bananas Foster Trifle is a delicious dessert that has layers of goodness. A shortbread cookie layer is topped with custard and delicious Bananas Foster sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
This recipe for Bananas Foster Trifle is a fun and delicious twist on two classic desserts.
Showstopping but simple – impressive layers that come together so easily!
Make-ahead friendly –This treat can be prepared several hours in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Rich layers of flavor – caramelized bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, shortbread cookies and fluffy whipped cream in every bite.
Crowd-pleasing & versatile – Can be made in one large trifle dish for a big gathering or served in individual cups.
What is Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert where bananas are sautéed in a buttery brown sugar sauce with a splash of rum (I don’t use the rum), then served warm over vanilla ice cream. It feels fancy but is actually simple and so comforting. Fun fact: it was first created in the 1950s at Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans to showcase bananas, which were a big import at the time. It’s been a Southern favorite ever since!
Ingredients Needed
- Bananas
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Whole Milk
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Egg Yolks
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Cornstarch
- Shortbread Cookies
How to Make Bananas Foster
- Melt butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a skillet over medium heat
- Add sliced bananas to skillet
- Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring to coat bananas with the sauce.
- Bring milk and cream to a simmer on low heat.
- Mix together sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Whisk in egg yolks and mix well.
- Slowly add some of the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring so the egg doesn’t cook. Then, add in the remaining egg mixture.
- Add in vanilla. Return mixture to saucepan and stir until thickened.
- Chill.
- Add a shortbread cookie to the bottom of your individual serving dish.
- Layer custard/pudding over cookie, about 2Tbs.
- Add a layer of cooled Bananas Foster and repeat.
- Finish with a layer of freshly whipped cream or cool whip!
Tips from leigh Anne
- Cool the bananas before layering – if the caramelized bananas are too hot, they can melt the pudding and whipped cream. Let them cool slightly before assembling.
- Use sturdy cake – If you prefer, instead of shortbread cookies you can use pound cake, sponge cake, or angel food cake.
- I skip the rum (don’t like the flavor) – a splash of rum gives authentic Bananas Foster flavor, but you can easily leave it out or use rum extract for a family-friendly version.
- Layer right before serving – for the freshest look, assemble the trifle a few hours before serving. If making ahead, keep each component separate and layer when ready.
- Add texture – sprinkle in some toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts between layers for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trifle last in the fridge?
It is best the day it’s made, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cake will get softer the longer it sits.
Can I make it in individual servings instead of one big trifle?
Yes! I love making it in individual bowls but it can also be made in one large trifle dish for a beautiful presentation.
How do I keep bananas from turning brown?
Since the bananas are caramelized in this recipe they won’t turn brown, they keep their color.
Can I use a pudding mix instead?
Yes, if you prefer use a store-bought boxed instant vanilla pudding mix. It would also be delicious with banana pudding or cheesecake pudding mix.
Check out more of my banana and shortbread recipes:
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Bananas Foster Trifle
Ingredients
Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
Bananas Foster
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 6 firm bananas peeled and cut into rings
- 12 Walkers shortbread cookies
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream whipped
Instructions
Custard
- Bring milk and cream to a simmer on low heat.
- Mix together sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Add in egg yolks and mix well.
- Slowly add some of the warm milk into the egg/sugar mixture, stirring so the egg doesn’t cook. Add in remaining egg mixture.
- Add in vanilla. Return mixture to saucepan and stir until thickened. Chill.
Bananas Foster Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with sugar and cinnamon.
- Add sliced bananas to skillet and cook for about 2 minutes. Stirring to coat bananas with sauce.
Assembly of Trifle
- Place one shortbread cookie in bottom of individual serving bowls. Add 2 Tbsp custard and a few spoonfuls of bananas foster sauce. Repeat again starting with another cookie.
- Top with freshly whipped cream and an additional shortbread cookie
Tips & Notes:
- Cool the bananas before layering – if the caramelized bananas are too hot, they can melt the pudding and whipped cream. Let them cool slightly before assembling.
- Use sturdy cake – If you prefer, instead of shortbread cookies you can use pound cake, sponge cake, or angel food cake.
- I skip the rum (don’t like the flavor) – a splash of rum gives authentic Bananas Foster flavor, but you can easily leave it out or use rum extract for a family-friendly version.
- Layer right before serving – for the freshest look, assemble the trifle a few hours before serving. If making ahead, keep each component separate and layer when ready.
- Add texture – sprinkle in some toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts between layers for extra crunch.
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Nutrition Facts:
Rhonda Childress says
When do you add the rum to the banana foster sauce?