Banana Custard
This easy banana custard is smooth, rich, and full of natural banana flavor, with a silky texture that makes every spoonful feel indulgent. This recipe is a wonderful way to use up very ripe bananas, especially if you don't fancy making another loaf of banana bread.
Top the bowl of custard with a drizzle of homemade Dulce de Leche spread or pecan praline sauce and enjoy it for breakfast or as a dessert.
The last time I had some extra bananas leftover that no one wanted to have, I made a huge batch of banana donut holes for breakfast, and everyone absolutely devoured them.
This time, I wanted to try using them for something different- something a bit more indulgent, and a creamy custard seemed like a great idea.
Quick Look: Banana Custard
- 🔪 Prep time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
- 🍌 Servings: 2
- 🥣 Main ingredients: Milk, ripe bananas, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and butter
- ➡️ Method: Mash bananas → simmer with milk and butter → whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch → temper with warm milk → cook until thick → strain → add vanilla
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy
- 🍰 Best served: Chilled on its own, with whipped cream, or topped with chopped candied walnuts with brown sugar.
Jump to recipe
Why this Recipe
- It's a simple homemade dessert made with everyday ingredients. The combination of egg yolks, cornstarch, and butter creates a rich and creamy texture.
- It's a great way to use up bananas that are getting very ripe. I like to use mine to make a batch of banana pumpkin muffins too.
- It can be served chilled for a refreshing dessert or enjoyed slightly warm.
Recipe Ingredients
Milk + egg yolks: To give the custard a creamy, rich texture. Use whole milk for best results.
Very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more intensely flavored your custard will be.
Vanilla: Adds a warm flavor that complements the banana. I like to add a dash of my homemade gingerbread syrup sometimes.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the banana flavor. Use brown sugar or date sugar if you want a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard and gives it a smooth, spoonable texture.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the custard. Unsalted butter works best, but I like to use my homemade honey butter sometimes.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use extra-ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest and most flavorful custard.
- You can substitute almond extract for the vanilla for a slightly different flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk if you want an even richer custard.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced banana custard or a little orange zest for a bright citrus note that pairs nicely with banana.
How to Make Banana Custard
Step 1: Combine milk, mashed bananas and butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 2: While the banana mixture is cooking, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a cup or small bowl.
Step 3: Slowly combine the milk with the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat, until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Take off heat and pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to make it smooth. Add the vanilla, cook again for 2 minutes and serve with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Tricks to Nail the Recipe
- Mash the bananas well before adding them to the saucepan.
- Let the hot banana mixture cool slightly before combining it with the egg yolk, and add the warm milk mixture slowly while whisking constantly to help prevent the egg yolks from scrambling.
- Keep whisking frequently while the custard cooks so it thickens evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Straining the custard is worth the extra step if you want an especially smooth texture.
- Don't rush the final cooking stage. Give the custard enough time to thicken properly.
- Let the custard cool before serving if you prefer a chilled, pudding-like consistency. I always do this when I make my peanut butter chia pudding too.
- If you still have some extra bananas left, use them to make a caramelized banana yogurt bowl for breakfast.
How to Serve Banana Custard
Banana Custard is delicious served on its own, either slightly warm or chilled. For a more indulgent dessert, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
You can serve it for breakfast alongside some spaghetti pancake or peanut butter brownie waffles to make things more interesting.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
The custard needs enough time on the heat for the cornstarch and egg yolks to thicken the mixture. Continue cooking while whisking frequently until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency.
Yes. Banana custard can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until you're ready to serve it.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
If you tried this banana custard recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Banana Custard
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 bananas very ripe
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 egg yolks large
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter at room temperature
Instructions
- In a cup or small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Place the milk, mashed bananas, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and simmer for about 4-5 minutes, whisking frequently.
- Press the banana pulp gently through a fine-mesh strainer to strain the custard.
- Return the strained custard to the saucepan, add the vanilla, and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until smooth and thick.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Let the banana and milk mixture cool slightly before adding it to the egg mixture.
- Whisk continuously while combining the warm milk with the egg yolks to help prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Strain the custard for a smoother texture.
- The custard can be served warm or chilled.
- For an extra-special dessert, serve with whipped cream, cinnamon, or alongside cake.
