Creamy Banana Pudding Tiramisu with Caramel – A Southern-Italian Fusion
If banana pudding has always been your comfort zone and tiramisu your guilty pleasure, this dessert blends both into something truly delightful.
Banana pudding tiramisu with caramel brings the mellow sweetness of ripe bananas, the creamy smoothness of mascarpone, and the bold twist of coffee-soaked ladyfingers—then layers it all with rich caramel drizzle for a velvety, unexpected treat.
It’s soft, chilled, and deeply satisfying. A little prep, a little layering, and a lot of flavor.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 4 hours (or overnight) | 4 hrs 25 mins | Dessert | Fusion – Southern & Italian | 6 to 8 |
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity (6 Servings) | Quantity (8 Servings) | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ripe bananas | 3 medium | 4 medium | Plantains (very ripe) |
| Ladyfinger biscuits | 18–20 | 24–26 | Vanilla wafers, sponge cake |
| Mascarpone cheese | 250g | 300g | Whipped cream cheese |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 1 ¼ cup | Whipping cream |
| Sweetened condensed milk | ¼ cup | ⅓ cup | Evaporated milk + sugar |
| Instant banana pudding mix | 1 small pack | 1 large pack | Vanilla pudding + banana essence |
| Strong brewed coffee (cooled) | ½ cup | ¾ cup | Decaf coffee, espresso |
| Caramel sauce | ⅓ cup | ½ cup | Toffee sauce, dulce de leche |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Maple extract |
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Alternative |
|---|---|
| 8×8 baking dish | Loaf pan, trifle bowl |
| Mixing bowls | Any wide container |
| Electric mixer | Hand whisk |
| Spatula | Large spoon |
| Spoon or piping bag | Zip bag with snipped end |
How to Make Banana Pudding Tiramisu with Caramel
Lets make it!
Prepare the Cream Filling
Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and banana pudding mix.
Beat until smooth and fluffy. Let it chill slightly.
Soak the Ladyfingers
Dip each ladyfinger into cooled coffee quickly—don’t oversoak or they’ll fall apart. Line the bottom of your dish with a coffee-dipped layer.
Slice the Bananas
Peel and thinly slice ripe bananas. Cover the soaked ladyfinger base with an even banana layer.
Spread the Cream Layer
Add a thick layer of banana mascarpone cream using a spatula or pipe it in for neater results.
Spread evenly over the bananas.
Repeat the Layers
Layer coffee-dipped ladyfingers again, followed by banana slices, then more cream. Finish with the cream layer on top.
Drizzle the Caramel
Warm the caramel slightly if too thick. Drizzle generously over the top layer of cream. Swirl with a spoon if desired for a marbled effect.
Chill to Set
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight—for the best flavor fusion and set texture.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Garnish with fresh banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers right before serving.
- Dust lightly with cocoa powder or cinnamon for a visual twist.
- Swirl extra caramel across the plate for a fancy look.
- Serve cold with strong coffee or black tea for balance.
- Add a sprig of mint on each piece for a refreshing touch.
Variations to Try
No-Coffee Version
Use milk mixed with a bit of banana or vanilla extract instead of coffee.
Chocolate-Caramel Twist
Add cocoa powder to the cream layer and drizzle chocolate syrup along with caramel.
Nut Crunch Banana Tiramisu
Add toasted pecans or crushed walnuts between the layers for texture.
Dairy-Free Version
Use dairy-free whipped topping, almond milk-based pudding, and coconut caramel sauce.
Storing Tips
- Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing—it changes the texture.
- Slice only when ready to serve.
- Don’t top with fresh banana slices until serving to prevent browning.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Texture
- Use ripe bananas—not overripe or too green.
- Chill the cream before layering for smoother assembly.
- Don’t oversoak ladyfingers—they soften quickly.
- Allow full chill time for the best flavor integration.
Common Mistakes and Prevention
| Mistake | Why it happens | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Ladyfingers turn mushy | Over-soaked in coffee | Quick dip only—1 second each side |
| Bananas turn brown | Exposed to air for too long | Add right before layering or brush with lemon juice |
| Cream layer is too runny | Didn’t whip properly | Whip cream until soft peaks before combining |
| Flavor feels flat | Not enough chill time | Let rest at least 4 hours |
Banana pudding tiramisu with caramel is a creamy, cozy dessert that blends two traditions into one unforgettable bite.
Try this at your next gathering or quiet evening, and don’t forget to share how it turned out in the comments below.
