Description
A rich, custard-like banana pudding filling made with real ingredients, perfect for sweet rolls, cinnamon rolls, or brunch pastries. It combines ripe bananas, vanilla bean paste, and cornstarch for a thick, glossy texture that holds up to baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed smooth (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch to prevent lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth, then slowly whisk in the milk, mashed bananas, and vanilla paste until combined.
- Pour the banana-milk mixture into the saucepan with the sugar-cornstarch mix and whisk vigorously to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly in circles and figure-eights.
- Once the mixture bubbles around the edges (after 3-4 minutes), continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the butter and salt until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Transfer the filling to a clean bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin, and let cool to room temperature (30-45 minutes) before using.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness. Do not substitute cornstarch with flour as it creates a gummy texture. Ensure the filling is completely cool before using in dough to prevent melting. For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender after cooking. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 cu
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: banana pudding, sweet roll filling, custard filling, banana dessert, brunch recipe, southern comfort food, vanilla banana, homemade pudding