Authentic Brazilian Banana Pudding: Easy Nordestino Recipe

Indulge in the authentic flavor of Northeast Brazil with this irresistible recipe for Nordestino Banana Pudding. A dessert that combines the creaminess of traditional pudding with the special touch of banana, perfect for sweetening any occasion.

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 4 ripe bananas (preferably silver banana)
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 1 cup of milk
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup of sugar
• ½ cup of water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, place the sugar and heat over low heat. Let it melt slowly, without stirring, until it becomes a golden caramel. Carefully add the water and stir until the sugar lumps dissolve. Pour the caramel into a pudding mold (18cm diameter) and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pudding: In a blender, add the bananas, condensed milk, milk, eggs, and melted butter. If desired, add the ground cinnamon. Blend everything until smooth.
3. Assembly: Pour the pudding mixture into the caramelized mold.
4. Bake in a Water Bath: Cover the mold with aluminum foil and place it inside a larger baking dish. Add hot water to the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pudding mold. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Cool and Unmold: Remove from the oven, let it cool completely, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before unmolding.
6. Serve: Unmold the Nordestino Banana Pudding and serve chilled.

Tips and Variations

• For a more intense flavor, use very ripe bananas.
• Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter for a citrus aroma.
• Substitute cinnamon with nutmeg for a spice variation.
• For a vegan version, use coconut condensed milk and flax eggs.
• Nordestino Banana Pudding is even more delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

CHEF’s Tips

To ensure the perfect texture for your Nordestino Banana Pudding, it’s crucial to follow a few steps carefully. First, the caramel point is essential: it should be golden but not burnt, to avoid a bitter taste. When adding water, do so carefully to avoid splashing, and stir gently until the caramelized sugar is completely dissolved. When preparing the pudding, make sure the bananas are very ripe, as they provide sweetness and softness to the dessert. Blending the mixture in a blender ensures a homogeneous consistency, but avoid over-blending to prevent incorporating too much air, which can result in a pudding with holes. The water bath is fundamental for even cooking and to prevent the pudding from drying out. Cover the mold with aluminum foil to prevent the surface from burning. After baking, let the pudding cool completely before refrigerating to avoid thermal shock. Unmolding the chilled Nordestino Banana Pudding ensures it maintains its shape and creamy texture. Serve and enjoy every bite of this delight!