Chocolate Banana Pudding: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert

Indulge in the creamy, decadent delight of Chocolate Banana Pudding, a dessert that combines the classic flavor of banana pudding with the luxurious taste of chocolate. This fusion dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself.

Why This Chocolate Banana Pudding Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

Imagine layers of velvety chocolate pudding, ripe banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers all coming together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The sweetness of bananas perfectly balances the rich chocolate, while the vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch.

It is an understatement to say that this dessert tastes heavenly, but it also offers a comforting nostalgia that makes it irresistible. Aside from its taste, this Chocolate Banana Pudding recipe is going to be your favorite because:

Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients for this recipe are kitchen staples, making it easy to whip up this dessert anytime.
Quick Preparation: This recipe doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile: You can customize this pudding with various toppings and add-ins to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit for kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and parties.

Chocolate Banana Pudding Ingredients

To make this delectable Chocolate Banana Pudding, you will need:

1 cup chopped milk chocolate
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
A pinch of salt
3 egg yolks
1 ½ cups of whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 thinly sliced bananas
14 chocolate or vanilla wafers
½ cup whipping cream

How to Make this Chocolate Banana Pudding

You might think this recipe requires baking expertise, but making a Chocolate Banana Pudding is quite simple! You don’t need an oven—this recipe is relatively easy, and you can even cook it with young helpers!

Prepare the Chocolate Pudding:

Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, egg yolks, and 1/2 cup milk until smooth.
Heat Milk & Cream: Heat 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup cream in a separate pot until simmering.
Temper Eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Thicken: Return the combined mixture to medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla until smooth.
Strain (Optional): Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra smooth pudding. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Pudding:

Layer: In a trifle dish or individual glasses, alternate layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and chocolate pudding, starting and ending with pudding.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.

Serve:

Top: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional).
Enjoy: Dig in!

Is Chocolate Banana Pudding Healthy?

While banana chocolate pudding is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation, it does have some nutritional benefits, especially if you look into its two primary ingredients.

Chocolate: More Than Just a Sweet Treat

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, offers several health benefits that make it a surprisingly nutritious addition to your diet:

Antioxidant Powerhouse: Packed with flavonoids and polyphenols that fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases
Heart Health: Improves blood flow, lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure
Brain Function: Boosts cognitive function and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Mood Enhancement: Stimulates endorphin production and improves mood
Skin Health: Protects from UV damage, improves blood flow, and increases skin density
Weight Management: Curbs cravings and promotes satiety
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body
Blood Sugar Regulation: Low glycemic index and improves insulin sensitivity
Nutrient-Rich: Contains iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese
Gut Health: Supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria

Bananas: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Bananas are among the most popular fruits worldwide, known for their convenience, taste, and impressive nutrient profile.

Incorporating bananas into this recipe (or even in your diet, in general) offers you a lot of benefits:

Nutrient-Dense: Rich in vitamins C, B6, potassium, manganese, and fiber
Heart Health: Supports healthy blood pressure and lowers cholesterol
Digestive Health: Promotes regularity and gut health with fiber and pectin
Energy Boost: Provides quick and sustained energy from natural sugars and fiber
Weight Loss: High in fiber and low in calories, promoting fullness and reducing overall calorie intake

Gut Health: Prebiotics support a healthy gut microbiome
Bone Health: Potassium and magnesium contribute to bone density and strength
Mood and Mental Health: Tryptophan and vitamin B6 support mood regulation
Athletic Performance: Replenishes glycogen stores and prevents cramps
Kidney Health: Potassium supports kidney function and reduces stone risk
Antioxidant Power: Protects against oxidative stress with dopamine and vitamin C
Natural Sweetness: Healthy alternative to sugary snacks and desserts

Chocolate Banana Pudding Serving Suggestions

We swear this Chocolate Banana Pudding is already a flavor explosion, but if you're feeling adventurous and want to add your personal touch, we have some ideas to take it to the next level!

Individual Serving Cups

Elegant Presentation: Serve the pudding in individual glass cups or mason jars to showcase the beautiful layers of chocolate pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafers. This presentation is perfect for dinner parties and special occasions.

Portable Portions: Individual cups make it easy to serve at events and are convenient for guests to take with them.

Garnish with Fresh Fruits

Berries: Top the pudding with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the pudding.
Banana Slices: Add fresh banana slices on top just before serving for an extra burst of banana flavor and a fresh look.
Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of orange or lemon zest can add a refreshing citrus note that pairs well with the chocolate and banana flavors.

Add Crunchy Toppings

Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top for a delightful crunch and added texture.
Granola: Add a handful of granola for a healthy and crunchy topping.
Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a tropical twist and a bit of crunch.

Serve with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the rich chocolate and banana flavors.

Chocolate or Banana Ice Cream: Enhance the dessert with matching or complementary ice cream flavors.

Drizzle with Sauces

Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top for an extra chocolatey experience.
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pudding.
Berry Coulis: Drizzle a berry coulis (pureed berries with sugar) for a fruity contrast over the pudding.

Pair with Coffee or Dessert Wine

Coffee: Serve the pudding with freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the dessert. The Zulay Magia Super Automatic Espresso Machine helps you create the perfect cup every time.

Dessert Wine: Pair the pudding with a sweet dessert wine like Port or Moscato to enhance the flavors.

Zulay Says: Our Expert Tips

We know this layered banana chocolate pudding recipe is already a winner, but with a few expert tips, you can make it truly extraordinary!

Use Ripe Bananas: Choose ripe but not overly ripe bananas to ensure they are sweet and flavorful without being mushy.
High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture and flavor, allow the pudding to chill for at least two hours or overnight, if possible.
Prevent Skin on Pudding: To prevent skin from forming on the pudding, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating.
Layering Tip: For a beautiful presentation, use a transparent trifle dish or individual clear cups to show off the layers of pudding, bananas, and wafers.

Made Too Much Chocolate Banana Pudding?

Made too much banana chocolate pudding? Don't worry, that's the best kind of problem to have! This delicious dessert is perfect for sharing, but if you find yourself with leftovers, we've got you covered with creative ways to enjoy every last spoonful.

Store leftover Chocolate Banana Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

If you plan to make the pudding ahead of time, consider storing the pudding, bananas, and wafers separately and assembling just before serving to maintain the best texture.

While it's not recommended to freeze banana pudding due to the change in texture of the bananas and pudding, you can freeze the chocolate pudding portion alone for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Craving more chocolatey goodness? You'll love our Chocolate Truffle Recipe! Still hungry for that sweet banana flavor? Try the Easy 3-Ingredient Banana Bread or this Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread. We've got a whole collection of delectable desserts featuring this beloved fruit. Head over to Zulay's Kitchen Recipes for more inspiration and tasty treats!

FAQs

What can you put in bananas to keep them from turning brown?

To prevent bananas from turning brown in banana pudding, you can:

Use Lemon or Lime Juice: Toss the banana slices in a small amount of lemon or lime juice. The acidity helps to slow down the browning process.
Cover Quickly: Assemble the pudding quickly and cover the bananas with pudding to minimize exposure to air.
Use Fresh Bananas: Use bananas that are ripe but not overripe, as they tend to brown more quickly.

What will thicken banana pudding?

Banana pudding can be thickened using:

Cornstarch: As used in this recipe, cornstarch is an effective thickening agent.
Flour: Some recipes use flour as a thickener.
Instant Pudding Mix: For a quicker alternative, instant pudding mix can provide the desired thickness.

What’s the difference between chocolate pudding and custard?

The difference between the two are:

Pudding: Typically thickened with cornstarch and has a lighter, creamier texture.
Custard: Thickened with eggs and has a richer, more velvety texture.

How can I thicken my banana pudding?

If your banana pudding is too runny, you can:

Cook Longer: Ensure you cook the mixture long enough for the cornstarch to activate fully.
Add More Thickener: Mix a little more cornstarch with cold milk and whisk it into the pudding.
Chill: Refrigerate the pudding for a few hours to allow it to set properly.