Imagine biting into a light, airy puff filled with creamy banana pudding, only to be greeted by a luxurious chocolate coating. These Chocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs are the ultimate indulgence, combining the elegance of French pastries with the comforting flavors of a childhood favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating your family, or indulging your sweet tooth, this dessert promises to impress.
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
Have you ever craved something that’s both sophisticated and nostalgic? These puffs strike the perfect balance. With their flaky exterior, creamy banana pudding filling, and smooth chocolate shell, they’re a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Plus, they’re a fun project to make at home, giving you the satisfaction of creating something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you need for each component of this dessert:
For the Puffs
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
Water | 1 cup | Forms the base of the choux pastry. |
Unsalted Butter | ½ cup | Adds richness and structure. |
All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | Provides the dough’s stability. |
Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the flavors. |
Large Eggs | 4 | Helps create the puffed texture. |
For the Banana Pudding Filling
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
Milk | 2 cups | Creates a creamy base. |
Sugar | ½ cup | Sweetens the pudding. |
Cornstarch | ⅓ cup | Thickens the pudding. |
Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the sweetness. |
Egg Yolks | 2 | Adds richness to the pudding. |
Butter | 2 tbsp | Enhances the silky texture. |
Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and depth. |
Ripe Banana | 1 (mashed) | Provides natural banana flavor. |
For the Chocolate Coating
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
Semi-Sweet Chocolate | 8 oz | The star of the coating. |
Coconut Oil (optional) | 1 tbsp | Ensures a smooth, shiny finish. |
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs
1. Prepare the Puffs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add the flour and salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time. The dough should become smooth and glossy.
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and firm. Let them cool completely.
2. Make the Banana Pudding Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot pudding mixture to the yolks to temper them. Return this mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and mashed banana. Let the pudding cool to room temperature.
3. Fill the Puffs
- Once the puffs are cool, cut a small hole in the bottom of each one.
- Transfer the banana pudding to a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip. Fill each puff with the pudding until it feels slightly heavy.
4. Make the Chocolate Coating
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Dip each filled puff into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Let any excess chocolate drip off.
5. Let the Puffs Set
- Place the chocolate-dipped puffs on a wire rack or parchment paper to set.
- Once the chocolate is firm, serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the eggs are fully incorporated, stop mixing to avoid deflating the dough.
- Cool Completely Before Filling: Warm puffs can cause the pudding to become runny.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the more flavorful your pudding will be.
- Chill the Pudding: If the pudding feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before filling the puffs.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per puff (makes ~12 puffs):
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | ~220 |
Total Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 26g |
Protein | 4g |
Sugar | 15g |
Why These Puffs Are a Crowd-Pleaser
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to potlucks, these puffs are always a hit.
- Customizable: Switch up the filling with chocolate or vanilla pudding, or try a fruit compote for variety.
- Fun to Make: This recipe is a great way to get creative in the kitchen, and kids will love helping.
Creative Variations
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top of the chocolate coating for a sweet-salty twist.
- Caramel Filling: Replace the banana pudding with a rich caramel cream for a decadent alternative.
- White Chocolate Coating: Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
FAQs About Chocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs
1. Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the puffs and prepare the pudding in advance. Fill and coat them the day you plan to serve.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze the puffs?
You can freeze the unfilled puffs in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling and coating.
4. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill the puffs.
5. How can I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Add a small amount of coconut oil to the chocolate for a smooth, shiny finish that’s less likely to crack.
6. Are there gluten-free options?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
Conclusion: Indulge in the Magic of Chocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs
These Chocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. With their airy texture, creamy filling, and rich chocolate coating, they bring joy to every bite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
PrintChocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
Description
Chocolate-Covered Banana Pudding Stuffed Puffs are a delightful blend of airy choux pastry, creamy banana pudding filling, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a fun, indulgent treat that’s both nostalgic and elegant.
Ingredients
For the Puffs:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Banana Pudding Filling:
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Puffs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
- Let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe or spoon tablespoon-sized mounds onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and firm. Cool completely.
2. Make the Banana Pudding Filling:
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Temper the egg yolks by whisking in a small amount of the hot pudding mixture, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and mashed banana.
- Cool to room temperature.
3. Fill the Puffs:
- Cut a small hole in the bottom of each puff.
- Transfer the banana pudding to a piping bag with a narrow tip and fill each puff until slightly heavy.
4. Make the Chocolate Coating:
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate and optional coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the filled puffs into the melted chocolate, coating evenly. Let excess chocolate drip off.
5. Let the Puffs Set:
- Place chocolate-coated puffs on a wire rack or parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is smooth and glossy after incorporating the eggs for the perfect puff texture.
- Chill the pudding if it’s too soft for filling.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor in the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion