Chocolate Banana Pudding

Chocolate Banana Pudding is a twist on a beloved Southern classic dessert. Layers of homemade chocolate custard, banana slices and vanilla wafers turn classic banana pudding into this addictive layered delight. Add whipped cream and grated chocolate to garnish the top for a simple finish and spectacular taste.

Easy Chocolate Banana Pudding Recipe

Classic banana pudding has many faces. The classic, or old fashioned banana pudding, is typically made with a vanilla custard that’s layered with bananas and ‘nilla wafers then topped with meringue. This is how I grew-up eating banana pudding and frankly, where my obsession with it all began. I was hooked from my first bite.

Chocolate Banana Pudding is a Twist on a Classic

My obsession with banana pudding has spun off into many variations using the same flavor concept. For example, my Banana Pudding Pound Cake, Banana Pudding Cupcakes, Banana Pudding Gooey Butter Cake and Caramel Banana Pudding Lush just to name a few of the recipes that I’ve developed. All of which remain super popular with visitors. How do you make Chocolate Banana Pudding: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

• Chocolate – Melt the chocolate chips with 1 Tbsp butter in a double boiler over simmering water until smooth or in the microwave.
• Thickener – Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk beaten yolks into cornstarch-sugar mixture until fully combined. The mixture will be thick.
• Heat Cream – Meanwhile, Add half and half and remaining butter to a heavy bottomed saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until the butter has melted and the half and half is hot, don’t boil.
• Combine – Whisk the sugar-egg mixture into the half and half then bring to a boil. Immediately, lower the temperature to medium to prevent scorching, whisking constantly for 1 minute after thickened.
• Add Chocolate – Remove from the heat and whisk in the melted chocolate and vanilla. Pour into a glass bowl, and press plastic wrap directly on top of the chocolate custard to prevent a film from forming then chill.
• Assemble – in a 3 or 4 quart bowl beginning with a layer of vanilla wafers. Top with 1/3 sliced bananas then 1/3 chocolate custard. Repeat, vanilla wafers, banana slices and chocolate custard.  
• Whipped Cream – Top whipped cream with a layer of vanilla wafers and banana slices. You can also line the side of the bowl with standing wafers, if desired. Top with final 1/3 chocolate custard. Chill for at least 4 hours.
• Frost the Top – Frost with remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate just before serving. 

How to Make the BEST Chocolate Banana Pudding Recipe

I really loved working on this banana pudding recipe adding a chocolate twist to a lifelong personal favorite. It’s not only delicious but, adds interest and conversation to the dessert table. It’s unexpected and oh-so-good.

• To make this dessert as pictured, you’ll need at least a 3 or 4 quart glass bowl or trifle bowl. When in doubt, go bigger so you can use all of the ingredients.
• If you choose to make this in a 13×9 inch dish, you will reduce the vanilla wafer, chocolate custard and banana layers to 2 instead of 3 as pictured. Use all of the whipped cream on top.
• No two banana puddings look alike, so have extra bananas and vanilla wafers on hand just in case they’re needed. I like the look of standing vanilla wafers around the edge but, if you’re using a bowl where the layers aren’t visible, you can improvise that step
• Allow time to chill thoroughly for the custard to set.
• Store Chocolate Banana Pudding chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Southern Trifle Recipes to Make

• Irresistible fresh fruit filled Punch Bowl Fruit Salad Trifle for baby and bridal showers or warm weather soirées.
• My magnificent Red Velvet White Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle worthy of  the holidays or any special occasion.
• Boston Cream Doughnut Trifle is super simple to make layered with chocolate ganache, doughnuts and vanilla pudding.
• My fun Birthday Cake Funfetti Trifle  recipe proves you don’t have to wait until your birthday to have birthday cake.
• Fresh Orange Trifle from Food Network.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Trifle Bowl