Banana Caramel Parfaits
Servings
4
Ready In:
1 hour
Good For:
Dessert
About this Recipe
Make your springtime a decadent one with this Banana Caramel Parfait dessert.
Indulge in layers of ripe bananas, luscious caramel, and airy whipped cream, topped with sprinkles of crunchy chocolate cookie crumbles.
This Banana Caramel Parfait offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion, this treat will satisfy your sweet tooth with its creamy richness and a hint of chocolate crunch.
FOR THE PARFAIT ASSEMBLY:
- 3-4 ripe Bananas, sliced
- 12 Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (like Oreos), crushed (filling optional, but we say leave it)
FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE:
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 6 Tablespoons (3oz.) Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream,
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
FOR THE FRESH WHIPPED CREAM:
- 1 cup Heavy Cream, very cold
- 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
PREPARE THE CARAMEL SAUCE
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. The sugar will start to melt, then clump, then finally melt into a golden amber liquid. Be patient!
Step 2
Once the sugar is completely melted and amber-colored, remove from heat and immediately whisk in the butter until fully incorporated.
Step 3
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Be careful, it will bubble! Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until smooth.
Step 4
Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly (it will thicken as it cools). If it becomes too thick, gently warm it on the stovetop.
PREPARING THE FRESH WHIPPED CREAM
Step 1
In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on a medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Don’t overwhip!
ASSEMBLING THE PARFAIT
Step 1
In individual glasses or parfait dishes, layer the ingredients. Start with a spoonful of crushed chocolate cookies.
Step 2
Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
Step 3
Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Repeat layers as desired, ending with a generous topping of whipped cream, sprinkled with cookie crumbles, and a drizzle of caramel.
Step 4
Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial!
Step 5
After 30 minutes, remove from refrigerator and serve immediately. Top with a small mint leave for presentation, if desired.
NOTES
Salted Caramel is Key! Don’t skip the sea salt in. thecaramel! It balances the sweetness and adds a delightful complexity.
The caramel sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.
VARIATIONS
Use any chocolate cookie you like! Chocolate wafers, chocolate graham crackers, even crushed brownies would work.
Feel free to add other toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate shavings. Let your imagination run wild!Enjoy!
BANANA TIP
Brush the banana slices with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
FOR AN ADULT VERSION
Macerate the banana slices in a tablespoon of rum or banana liqueur for a few minutes before assembling the parfaits. .
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