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Red Velvet Banana Pudding

Red Velvet Banana Pudding is a vibrant, Southern-inspired dessert that combines the creamy layers of classic banana pudding with the rich, cocoa-infused flavors of red velvet cake, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 7
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Red Velvet Crumble
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk
For the Pudding:
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ½ cups cold water
  • 1 3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring
  • 2 cups heavy cream whipped to soft peaks
  • 4-5 ripe bananas sliced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent banana browning
For Garnish
  • Whipped cream
  • Red velvet cake crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers
  • Fresh banana slices optional

Method
 

Make the Red Velvet Crumble
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a crumbly dough forms.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely, then crumble into small pieces.
Prepare the Pudding
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, water, and instant pudding mix until smooth.
  2. Add cocoa powder and red food coloring, stirring until fully incorporated. The mixture should have a rich red hue.
  3. Fold in the whipped cream gently until the pudding is light and fluffy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Assemble the Dessert
  1. Toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the ingredients as follows: a layer of red velvet crumble, a layer of pudding, and a layer of banana slices. Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of pudding.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Before serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers, and a few fresh banana slices for an extra touch of elegance.
  2. Serve chilled and enjoy

Notes

  • Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but firm for the best texture and sweetness.
  • Customize the Layers: If you prefer a more traditional banana pudding vibe, mix in some vanilla wafers alongside the red velvet crumble.
  • Make It Ahead: This dessert tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance for your next gathering.
  • Adjust the Color: If you want a more vibrant red hue, add a bit more food coloring, but be careful not to overdo it.