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Ultimate Banana Pudding

Source of Recipe


Adapted from "Burning Desires"






List of Ingredients



• 1/2 cup water
  
• 2/3 cup sugar, divided
  
• 1-2/3 cups whipping cream, divided
  
• 1 lb. mascarpone, at room temperature
  
• 3/4 cup strong coffee, at room temperature
  
• 1/4 cup Kahlua or other coffee-flavored liqueur
  
• 1 (7-ounce) pkg. (about 24) crisp ladyfingers
  
• 3 large ripe bananas, peeled and thinly sliced
  






Instructions



1. In a small saucepan, stir together the water and 1/3 cup of the sugar. Set over medium heat and bring just to a boil. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
   
   
2. Whip 2/3 cup of the cream until it forms soft peaks. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mascarpone and the remaining 1/3 cup sugar. Do not overmix or the cheese may separate. Fold in the whipped cream.
   
   
3. In a wide, shallow dish, combine the cooled sugar syrup, coffee and liqueur. Working quickly, dip half the ladyfingers, one at a time, into the coffee mixture, then transfer carefully to a shallow serving dish, such as a 9x13-inch oval, arranging them in a single layer. Spread about half the mascarpone over the ladyfingers. Arrange the banana slices evenly over the mascarpone.
   
   
4. Repeat the soaking process with the remaining ladyfingers, arranging them evenly over the fruit. Top the ladyfingers with the remaining mascarpone mixture, spreading it evenly to the edges of the dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 5 hours. Let the pudding stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
   
   
5. Whip the remaining 1 cup cream to soft peaks. Spoon the pudding onto dessert plates, garnish with a dollop of cream and serve immediately.
   
   Makes 8 to 10 servings.
   
   NOTE: If you can't find mascarpone, you can substitute softened cream cheese. If you can't find crisp ladyfingers, you can substitute freshly baked ladyfingers and toast them in an oven.