Caramel Banana Cups (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - ½ cup granulated sugar.
02 - ⅓ cup cornstarch.
03 - ¼ tsp salt.
04 - 2¾ cups whole milk.
05 - 3 large egg yolks (beaten).
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
08 - 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced.
09 - 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers or extra cookies.
10 - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade).
11 - Whipped cream (for topping).

Instructions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously.
02 - Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 10-15 minutes.
03 - Remove from heat. To temper the egg yolks, add a little of the hot pudding to the yolks, stir, then pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes while stirring.
04 - Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
05 - In small cups or dessert bowls, layer crushed cookies, sliced bananas, and the pudding. Drizzle caramel sauce over each layer.
06 - Repeat layers until the cups are full, finishing with pudding and a final drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
07 - Cover the cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until chilled.
08 - Before serving, top with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for garnish.

Notes:

01 - This decadent dessert offers layers of creamy banana pudding, crunchy cookies, and rich caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.