Apple Pie Banana Pudding

Apple Pie Banana Pudding is a delicious dessert that combines the spiced warmth of apple pie with the creaminess of traditional banana pudding. The dish features layers of tart apples, rich vanilla pudding, and sweet banana slices, all finished with a crunchy topping of crushed vanilla wafers and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This dessert is perfect for any gathering and is sure to impress your guests with its combination of flavors.

• Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples: 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced, for a tart and firm texture
• Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp, melted to sauté the apples and create a rich base
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, for sweetness in the apple filling
• Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup, to add depth of flavor to the apples
• Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, for a warm, comforting spice
• Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp, for an additional layer of spice
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp, to balance the sweetness and add brightness
• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp, mixed with water to thicken the apple filling
• Cold milk: 2 cups, to create the smooth, creamy base for the pudding
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: 1 box (3.4 oz), to create a creamy, thick pudding layer
• Whipped topping (Cool Whip): 1 (8 oz) container, for a light and fluffy texture in the pudding
• Sweetened condensed milk: 1 (14 oz) can, for richness and sweetness in the pudding
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for added flavor depth in the pudding
• Ripe bananas: 3-4 bananas, sliced, for freshness and sweetness between the layers
• Vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers: 1 cup, crushed, for texture and crunch
• Caramel sauce: for drizzling, adding an indulgent finishing touch

Step 1:

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften. Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2:

Make the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened. Fold in the sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.

Step 3:

Assemble the Dessert: In a clear serving dish (or individual cups), layer the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers on the bottom. Add a layer of the prepared pudding on top, followed by a layer of banana slices. Spoon a layer of the cooled apple pie filling on top of the bananas. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of pudding.

Step 4:

Garnish: Top with additional crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.

Step 5:

Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy the sweet, creamy, and spiced dessert!

• Apple Selection: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the pudding and banana layers.
• Make Ahead: This dessert is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
• Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best texture and flavor.

• For an even richer flavor, use homemade vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
• Substitute the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a more luxurious texture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using a small amount of brown butter to enhance the flavor of the apple filling.

Pin it