Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, white sugar, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until it’s evenly coated, and the crumbs begin to clump together.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a square baking dish or your preferred dessert vessel. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to firmly pack the crumbs down to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the crust in the oven for 6 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you work on the next layers.
Step 2: Make the Banana Pudding
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and the instant banana pudding mix. Whisk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the pudding and mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or stand mixer. This will help break up any lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- After mixing, place the pudding in the fridge to chill while you prepare the whipped cream and the Banana’s Foster sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- In a mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the cream on high speed for 3-4 minutes, or until stiff peaks form.
- Once the whipped cream has reached the right consistency, place it in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to assemble the dessert.
Step 4: Make the Banana’s Foster
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the dark brown sugar, banana liqueur, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Let the mixture bubble gently for about a minute.
- Add the sliced bananas and chopped walnuts to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sweet sauce. Let the mixture cook for 4-5 minutes, until the bananas become soft and caramelized, and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes while you prepare for assembly.
Step 5: Assemble the Dessert
- Begin layering the dessert in individual serving glasses (such as wine glasses or dessert cups).
- Start with a layer of the graham cracker crust at the bottom of each glass.
- Add a generous layer of the creamy banana pudding mixture on top of the crust.
- Follow with a layer of whipped cream, spreading it evenly over the pudding.
- Spoon the warm Banana’s Foster mixture over the whipped cream, making sure to include some of the caramelized bananas and walnuts in each serving.