What to do with over-ripe bananas? Banana Pots De Crème
The elegant Banana Pots de Créme is really just a sassy little banana pudding for grown ups with a Kahlüa whipped cream topping
What is a Pots de Crème?
Translated from the French, Pots de Crème simple means, ” jars of cream”. This dessert is a silky custard baked in a Bain Marie (or water bath) made with eggs, cream, milk and flavorings like vanilla, chocolate or banana.
My custard has banana “juice” in it as well as high quality vanilla for extra brightness. I add Kahlúa to sweetened whipped cream to top it. Garnish with a sliver of banana cut on a diagonal or a shortbread cookie- because we’re fancy like that now.
This will replace your standard banana bread or pudding recipe for certain.
This flavor infused Pots De Crème is the perfect make ahead dessert that is light, but so impressive.
Why this recipe works:
- Banana flavor is infused by microwaving over-ripe bananas to release their “juices”
- A simple list of ingredients does not cloud the flavor of the bananas
- Eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla bean create a silky custard baked in a Bain-Marie- or hot water bath
- Whipped cream made even better with a little splash of kahlua and a crisp biscuit or slice of banana
Ingredients in banana pots de créme:
- ripe bananas
- egg yolks
- sugar
- whole milk
- vanilla paste or whole vanilla bean
Ingredients for the Kahlüa infused whipped cream topping:
- kahlüa
- heavy whipping cream
- sugar
- banana
- shortbread cookie
Equipment needed for this Pots de Crème:
- mixing bowl or large measuring cup with a spout- buy my favorite from Mason Cash here
- small ramakins
- deep baking dish
- whisk
- small saucepan
- stand mixer or hand held mixer for the heavy cream
- microwave safe bowl
- sharp small knife
- measuring spoons and cups
Pro- tips for this recipe:
What to do with over-ripe bananas? Banana Pots De Crème
Ingredients
- 2-3 large over-ripe bananas, nearly black
- 6 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 whole vanilla bean or
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the whipped cream topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 TBSP Kahlüa
- 6 slices banana, one the diagnoal
- 6 small shortbread cookies
Instructions
- Pe heat oven to 325 degrees. In a microwave proof bowl, set the bananas, (peeled) into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4 minutes until they render a liquid. Strain the remaining liquid from the bananas over a bowl . Let cool. You should have about 2-3 TBSP of banana “juice” . Toss the banana flesh.
- Bring to a simmer in a small saucepan, the 2 cups of milk.
- Remove from the heat. Add a ladle full at a time of the egg mixture to the milk. Whisk gently to blend. Once you have incorporated about 4-5 ladles of egg mixture, you can pour in the remaining liquid.
- Add in the banana juice. Whisk well.
- Scrape the caviar- (tiny seeds) from the vanilla bean and add to the mixture.
- Add in the vanilla bean or vanilla extract. Be sure all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- With a spoon, skim off any bubbles or foam from the surface. Strain the mixture with a fine mesh strainer to remove any clumps if needed. Remove the vanilla bean.
- Pour the custard into ramekin cups or pot de créme cups.
- Place cups into a baking dish. Create a water bath by pouring warm water around the dish up the middle line of the cups or ramekins.
- Place in oven and bake at 325 for 45-50 minutes until the center is set. Let custard cool 30 minutes and then chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a stand mixture, whip the heavy cream until foamy. Add in the Kahlüa and sugar and beat at high speed until soft peaks form.
- Spoon the whipped cream over the chilled custards. You may do this step up the 3 hours in advance of serving. Garnish with bananas sliced on the diagonal or a shortbread cookie.
