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Creamy Trifle Bowl Banana Pudding Recipe with Crunchy Chessmen Cookies Easy and Perfect

creamy trifle bowl banana pudding - featured image

A luscious, velvety banana pudding layered with fresh bananas and crunchy buttery Chessmen cookies, perfect for entertaining or a comforting weeknight dessert. This easy recipe features a homemade custard base and whipped cream topping for a creamy, crunchy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g) (use cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 to 5 medium ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 package Chessmen cookies (about 8 ounces / 227 g)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml), chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
  3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
  5. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking vigorously to temper the eggs.
  6. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
  7. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until pudding thickens further, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
  9. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  10. Slice bananas into thin, even slices.
  11. In a trifle bowl, layer pudding, banana slices, and Chessmen cookies. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous layer of whipped cream on top.
  12. Optionally, crumble a few cookies on top for garnish.
  13. Refrigerate assembled trifle for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 hours, to let flavors meld and cookies soften slightly while retaining crunch.

Notes

Whisk constantly when cooking pudding to prevent lumps and scorching. Use room temperature eggs for smooth custard. Chill bowl and beaters for whipping cream. Do not overmix whipped cream; stop at soft peaks. Layer thoughtfully to keep cookies crunchy. If pudding thickens too much while cooling, whisk in a splash of milk before layering. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for best flavor and texture. Can substitute coconut milk and cream for dairy-free version. Use cornstarch instead of flour for gluten-free. Reduce sugar or use natural sweeteners for lower sugar option.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, trifle, Chessmen cookies, creamy dessert, easy dessert, layered pudding, homemade custard, whipped cream topping