“5 humble ingredients, zero fancy pastry skills, and a warm dessert that smells like a bakery the second it hits the oven.”

Directions and Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9-inch pie plate with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
2. Peel the ripe bananas and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices evenly in the bottom of the prepared pie plate, overlapping slightly for that perfect presentation.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well combined, creating a luscious custard.
4. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture evenly over the bananas. Give the pie plate a gentle tap on the counter to help the custard settle down between the banana slices.
5. Place the pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle, crowned with a lightly golden top.
6. Carefully remove the pie plate from the oven and let the pudding rest for 15–20 minutes to finish setting. The aroma will be simply irresistible!
7. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally sprinkling a pinch of extra cinnamon just before serving to elevate those flavors even more.

Notes or Tips

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If the bananas are very ripe, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to balance the sweetness.
• This dessert can be made ahead of time and chilled; just reheat gently before serving for that freshly-baked taste!

Cooking Techniques

While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few helpful techniques to ensure your pudding turns out perfectly:

• Whisking the custard: Take your time to whisk the custard thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
• Layering bananas: When layering the banana slices, ensure even coverage for a consistent bake and delightful presentation.
• Resting time: Allowing the pudding to rest after baking is essential; it helps the flavors meld together and solidifies the texture.