Picture this: layers of velvety banana pudding infused with warm spiced rum, topped with clouds of whipped cream, and nestled between buttery, crumbly vanilla wafers. These Spiced Rum Banana Pudding Parfaits aren’t just desserts; they’re an experience—a delicious, grown-up twist on a classic Southern favorite that will transport you to a place where comfort meets sophistication. The subtle kick of spiced rum elevates the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new.
What makes these parfaits truly special is their versatility. Perfect for intimate dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or those moments when you simply deserve something extraordinary, these layered beauties can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content. The combination of smooth pudding, soft bananas, crunchy cookies, and that hint of rum creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Ready to create a dessert that’s as impressive to look at as it is to devour? Let’s dive into this rum-infused paradise of flavor.
There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a dessert that feels like a special occasion. These Spiced Rum Banana Pudding Parfaits do exactly that—they take the humble banana pudding and elevate it to new heights with the addition of rich, aromatic spiced rum. The rum doesn’t just add a boozy kick; it brings out the caramel notes in the bananas and adds a complex warmth that perfectly complements the creamy pudding.
The beauty of serving dessert in individual parfait glasses isn’t just about presentation (though they do look stunning)—it’s about creating the perfect ratio of each component in every spoonful. Each glass contains precisely layered pudding, cookies, bananas, and cream, ensuring that every bite is balanced and delightful. Plus, there’s something undeniably elegant about individual servings that makes your guests feel special, as if each parfait was crafted just for them.
Spiced Rum Banana Pudding Parfaits
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 parfaits
Calories:
385 calories
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup spiced rum (plus 1 tablespoon for the whipped cream)
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
-
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Reduce heat to low. Take about ½ cup of the hot mixture and slowly add it to the beaten egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
-
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes until very thick.
-
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until completely incorporated.
-
Let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes, then stir in ⅓ cup of spiced rum. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface (to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
While the pudding cools, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of spiced rum, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, then continue whipping until firm peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
-
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon with the nutmeg.
-
To assemble: Place a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of each parfait glass. Add a layer of banana slices, then sprinkle with a pinch of the cinnamon-nutmeg mixture.
-
Spoon a generous layer of the spiced rum pudding over the bananas. Repeat the layers once more: wafers, bananas with spice, and pudding.
-
Top each parfait with a dollop of the rum-spiked whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a vanilla wafer, and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
-
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.
The key to exceptional banana pudding parfaits lies in the quality of your ingredients. Choose bananas that are ripe with a few brown spots—they’re sweeter and more flavorful than their green counterparts. For the spiced rum, don’t just reach for any bottle; select a quality brand with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg that will complement the dessert. Captain Morgan, Kraken, or Sailor Jerry are excellent choices that won’t break the bank but will deliver that warm, spiced flavor that makes these parfaits so special.
Making pudding from scratch might seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but I promise it’s worth the effort. The homemade version has a silky texture and rich flavor that simply can’t be matched by instant pudding mixes. The key is patience—whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and scorching. If you’re worried about tempering the eggs (adding hot liquid to eggs without scrambling them), just remember to go slowly and whisk quickly. The result is a pudding so luxurious that you might never go back to the boxed variety.
These parfaits are wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t have parfait glasses? Mason jars, wine glasses, or even teacups make charming vessels. For a non-alcoholic version that still captures the spiced essence, simply substitute the rum with 1 tablespoon of rum extract mixed with ¼ cup of apple juice or water. You can also play with the garnishes—toasted coconut, crushed toffee bits, or a sprinkle of sea salt would all be delightful additions to the top of each parfait.
The beauty of these parfaits is that they actually improve with a bit of time in the refrigerator. As they chill, the vanilla wafers soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the pudding and rum, creating a cake-like texture that’s utterly irresistible. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Just add the final whipped cream topping and garnishes shortly before serving to maintain that beautiful presentation.
While these spiced rum banana pudding parfaits are a dessert in their own right, they can be the star of a themed dinner party. Imagine serving them as the finale to a Caribbean-inspired feast, following jerk chicken or coconut shrimp. The rum ties the meal together thematically, while the cool, creamy dessert provides the perfect counterpoint to spicy main dishes. Add some tropical background music, and your guests will feel like they’ve been transported to an island paradise—all from the comfort of your dining room.
One final tip for parfait perfection: chill your parfait glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before assembling. The cold glass helps keep each layer distinct and makes the presentation even more impressive. And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top just before serving adds a touch of luxury that makes these parfaits truly unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a treat, these Spiced Rum Banana Pudding Parfaits are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.