Heavenly Spiced Banana Pudding Bake
As a devoted banana enthusiast, I stumbled upon this tantalizing recipe in Woman's Day magazine that promises to revolutionize your typical banana pudding experience. This dessert combines creamy custard with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, resulting in a comforting and decadent treat that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds!). The layers of velvety banana, crunchy vanilla wafers, and luscious meringue come together in a fusion of flavors that pays homage to classic banana pudding while introducing a spice-infused twist that is simply unforgettable. Be warned; this delightful pudding may cause you to rethink any traditional recipes you’ve cherished for years!
N/A
Servings
325
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant vanilla pudding mix
2 (3.5-ounce) boxes (Choose the cook and serve kind, not instant.)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (Use freshly ground for a more intense flavor.)
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Preferably freshly grated.)
Milk
3 3/4 cups (Whole milk recommended for creaminess.)
Vanilla wafer cookies
48 (For layering and texture.)
Large bananas
4 (Slice just before layering.)
Egg whites
5 (Make sure they are at room temperature for better volume.)
Salt
1 pinch (Enhances the flavors.)
Granulated sugar
1/3 cup (For sweetening the meringue.)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a deep 2-quart glass dish to hold this delicious creation.
2
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
3
Gradually whisk in 3 3/4 cups of milk and cook the mixture over medium heat, following the package instructions until it thickens. Once ready, transfer the pudding to a one-quart measuring cup and cover the surface with plastic wrap to avoid a skin from forming.
4
In the bottom of a serving bowl, arrange 16 vanilla wafer cookies. Then, place 8 cookies upright around the sides of the bowl.
5
Slice 4 large bananas and layer them over the cookies at the bottom, letting some fill the spaces between the upright cookies.
6
Pour half of the hot pudding over the banana and cookie layers, then repeat the layers with the remaining cookies, bananas, and pudding.
7
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites using a mixer on medium speed until they become foamy. Increase the speed to medium-high, and add a pinch of salt.
8
Continue beating until very soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
9
Spread the meringue over the hot pudding layer, ensuring it creates beautiful swirls and that the meringue touches the edges of the bowl.
10
Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the meringue turns a lovely golden brown. Once done, cool the pudding on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. It's best enjoyed warm!
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
56.25g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Spiced Banana Pudding Bake?
It is a comforting dessert that combines creamy custard with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, layered with bananas, vanilla wafers, and a luscious meringue.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How many boxes of pudding mix do I need?
You need two 3.5-ounce boxes of vanilla pudding mix.
Should I use instant or cook and serve pudding?
The recipe specifically requires the cook and serve kind of pudding mix, not the instant version.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish should I use?
A deep 2-quart glass dish is recommended for this pudding.
How much milk is required for the pudding?
You will need 3 3/4 cups of milk.
Can I use any type of milk?
Whole milk is recommended for the best creaminess.
How many vanilla wafers are needed?
The recipe calls for 48 vanilla wafer cookies.
How many bananas are needed?
You will need 4 large bananas.
How should the vanilla wafers be arranged in the bowl?
Arrange 16 cookies on the bottom and 8 cookies upright around the sides of the bowl for the first layer.
How should the bananas be prepared?
The bananas should be sliced just before layering.
Why should I cover the pudding with plastic wrap while it is hot?
Covering the surface with plastic wrap prevents a skin from forming on the pudding.
How many egg whites are needed for the meringue?
You will need 5 egg whites.
What temperature should the egg whites be for the meringue?
Egg whites should be at room temperature to achieve better volume when beaten.
How do I start the meringue process?
Beat the egg whites with a mixer on medium speed until they become foamy.
When do I add salt to the meringue?
Increase the speed to medium-high and add a pinch of salt once the egg whites are foamy.
How do I add sugar to the meringue?
Gradually add 1/3 cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, once soft peaks form.
How do I know when the meringue is ready?
The meringue is ready when stiff, glossy peaks form.
Is vanilla extract added to the meringue?
Yes, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract after the peaks have formed.
How should the meringue be applied?
Spread it over the hot pudding, creating swirls and ensuring it touches the edges of the bowl.
How long does the pudding bake?
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The meringue should turn a lovely golden brown.
Should the pudding cool before serving?
Yes, cool the pudding on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Is this dessert served warm or cold?
This Spiced Banana Pudding Bake is best enjoyed warm.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 325 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 3.75g per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
There is approximately 3.75g of protein per serving.
What makes this different from traditional banana pudding?
The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg, along with the baked meringue topping, provides a unique spice-infused twist.
Can I use pre-ground spices?
Yes, but freshly ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg are recommended for a more intense flavor.