Sometimes, we forget about the bananas in our pantry and they start to get a little overripe. Rather than throw them away, it's a great idea to use them in a dessert. This banana brown Betty dessert is a fantastic way to use up bananas you otherwise would've thrown out.
One of the great things about banana desserts is that they can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Some desserts are much too sweet to enjoy earlier in the day, but this is certainly not one of them. Still, this recipe manages to be sweet enough to earn approval from picky eaters.
Make this recipe either for your family or for your next event. It's important that you pay close attention to each step in this recipe, as there's a lot to do to ensure it turns out just right. Fortunately, you don't have to get too many ingredients to make this!
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out our other dessert recipes. We have a ton of great ones for you to check out, from extremely sweet options to ones on the more savory side. Be sure to bookmark each recipe as you come across it, so you don't forget about it!
Banana Brown Betty
Ingredients:
Crumb Mixture:
2 ½ cups finely crushed chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos with filling removed work well)
⅓ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients:
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 ripe bananas, sliced into ½ inch rounds
Directions:
1. Make crumb mixture by mixing together in a medium bowl chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, cinnamon and butter.
2. Make filling mixture: Position a rack in lower third of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
3. In a heavy pan, bring milk to a simmer. With an electric mixer, beat eggs, sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt until thick and pale yellow.
4. Gradually pour half of milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly, then whisk this mixture gradually into milk in pan.
5. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until mixture has thickened, 1 minute (do not overcook).
6. Remove from heat and stir for 1 minute. Add vanilla. Fold bananas into hot custard.
7. Gently press half of crumb mixture into bottom of a 9-inch baking dish.
8. Top with banana mixture, then remaining crumbs.
9. Bake until top has browned and starts to bubble, 25 to 30 minutes.