Description
Sweet layers of classic apple pie merge with creamy banana pudding, creating a Southern dessert that dances between comfort and innovation. Homemade warmth fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor this delightful culinary fusion perfect for family gatherings and weekend celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
Pudding and Dairy Base:
- 1 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Spices, Sweeteners, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers, crushed
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Craft the apple pie filling by gently melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate diced apples, sugars, aromatic spices, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until apples soften and become slightly translucent.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing with water, then integrate into the apple mixture. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens and develops a glossy texture. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare the pudding base by whisking instant vanilla pudding mix with milk until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Construct the dessert in a clear serving dish by creating a foundational layer of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Carefully spread a generous pudding layer, followed by a uniform arrangement of banana slices.
- Distribute the cooled apple pie filling evenly over the banana layer. Repeat the layering process, ensuring each component is well-distributed and visually appealing.
- Complete the dessert by sprinkling additional crushed wafers on top. Enhance the presentation with an elegant caramel sauce drizzle.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to harmonize. Serve chilled and savor the intricate blend of textures and tastes.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and replacing regular sweetened condensed milk with a low-sugar version.
- Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice before layering in the dessert.
- For a lighter version, substitute whipped topping with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream to decrease calories and increase protein.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 319 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg