Banana Pudding Puffs (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 cup water.
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour.
04 - 1/4 tsp salt.
05 - 4 large eggs.
06 - 2 cups milk.
07 - 1/2 cup sugar.
08 - 1/3 cup cornstarch.
09 - 1/4 tsp salt (for pudding).
10 - 2 large egg yolks.
11 - 2 tbsp butter.
12 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
13 - 1 ripe banana, mashed.
14 - 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (or chocolate chips).
15 - 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for a smoother coating).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add flour and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a ball.
03 - Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and smooth.
04 - Using a piping bag or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
05 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool completely.
06 - In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
07 - In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot pudding mixture to the egg yolks to temper them, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
08 - Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and mashed banana. Let it cool to room temperature.
09 - Once the puffs are cool, cut a small hole in the bottom of each puff. Use a piping bag to fill each puff with the banana pudding filling.
10 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
11 - Dip each filled puff into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to set.
12 - Once the chocolate has set, serve your Chocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs.

Notes:

01 - These puffs are light and crispy, filled with creamy banana pudding and coated in rich chocolate. A delightful dessert or sweet snack for special occasions.