Description
This Creamy Banana Custard Cups recipe offers a luscious, smooth custard infused with ripe bananas and vanilla, perfect as a delightful chilled dessert. The custard is cooked gently on the stovetop and chilled to perfection, making it a simple yet elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Toppings
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Sliced bananas, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt to combine evenly. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the milk mixture is steaming but not boiling, ensuring the cornstarch activates without curdling the milk.
- Temper the Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking continuously to gently raise the temperature without scrambling the eggs.
- Combine Egg Mixture: Gradually pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly to blend evenly.
- Cook the Custard: Stir the mixture over medium-low heat, continuing to whisk until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Finish the Custard: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and unsalted butter until the custard is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cups: Divide the banana custard evenly among 6 dessert cups. Cover each cup with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill: Place the cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to set the custard thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, top each custard cup with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh banana slices for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure to whisk constantly while cooking the custard to prevent lumps or curdling.
- Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface helps avoid a skin forming during chilling.
- Ripe bananas provide the best sweetness and flavor; avoid underripe or overly mushy bananas.
- This custard can be refrigerated for up to 2 days for best freshness.
