Desserts often become the centerpiece of conversations at large gatherings, and a good one has the power to bring smiles and create memories. Red Velvet Banana Pudding, a twist on the classic, combines the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet with the creamy sweetness of banana pudding, making it a dessert that stands out both in taste and visual appeal. This decadent treat serves as a fantastic way to end a meal for a group of 20 people or more, offering a comforting yet sophisticated flavor profile that is sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients:

For the Red Velvet Pudding:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups whole milk
• 6 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Red food coloring (gel or liquid as preferred)

For Layering and Assembly:

• 8 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 (about 15 oz) package of red velvet cake mix (prepared and baked according to package instructions, then crumbled)
• 2 (11 oz each) boxes vanilla wafers

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Red Velvet Pudding: Begin by whisking together the granulated sugar, flour, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. This process may take 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Temper the Egg Yolks: To ensure your egg yolks don’t curdle, it’s essential to temper them. Take a small portion of the hot milk mixture and slowly whisk it into the egg yolks. Once the yolks are warmed, gradually whisk them back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.
3. Cook the Pudding Mixture: Continue to cook the pudding mixture, stirring constantly, for another 3 to 4 minutes. Then, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until you achieve the classic red velvet color. Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes, then place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a skin from forming and set aside to cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
5. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
6. Assemble the Banana Pudding: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, start by placing a layer of crumbled red velvet cake at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of vanilla wafers, then a layer of banana slices. Pour a generous amount of red velvet pudding over the bananas, and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the pudding.
7. Repeat the Layering: Continue layering in this order until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of the red velvet pudding.
8. Top with Whipped Cream: Spread the whipped cream over the top layer of pudding, ensuring an even and appealing presentation.
9. Chill the Dessert: Refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
10. Serve: Garnish with additional crumbled red velvet cake, banana slices, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder before serving to enhance the visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Banana Pudding:

• Timing is Key: To avoid a runny pudding, ensure each layer is properly set before adding the next one.
• Bake the Red Velvet Cake in Advance: To save time, the red velvet cake can be baked a day in advance.
• Adjusting for a Large Crowd: This recipe is scalable. Simply increase the ingredients proportionally to serve more than 20 people.
• Make it a Showstopper: For an added flair, serve the pudding in a clear glass trifle dish to show off the beautiful layers.