The Best Way To Layer Banana Pudding So It Doesn't Look A Mess

When prepared well, a classic banana pudding can be a beautiful and tasty dessert to serve to family or guests. While this kind of treat doesn't require any special culinary expertise to put together, those unfamiliar with layering techniques may find that their dishes are topped with browning bananas. The easiest way to avoid that unsightly and unappealing presentation is to layer the banana within the pudding rather than place slices on top.

Once bananas are exposed to oxygen, the fruit begins its gradual descent toward a visually deteriorated state. Neglected banana slices can turn brown, dismal, and disappointing before dessert is served. Sure, these oxidized pieces can be eaten safely, but brown fruit will not end up on anyone's Instagram story in an appreciative post. Layering banana slices directly into the middle of glass parfait dishes will protect the fruit from unnecessary exposure to air and so will circumnavigate the inevitable oxidative distress known as enzymic browning. Additionally, coating all slivers of fruit in citrus juice before placing in the parfait will slow down this browning process. Any citrus fruit will work for this purpose.

If you've worked hard to keep bananas fresh for party guests by coating them in citrus, go the extra mile to maintain the fruit's pretty appearance until it ends up on the dinner table. Whether you're putting together a classic  pudding, upgrading banana pudding recipes with toppings and add-ins, or even setting out to make banana pudding tiramisu, keep the end goal of the fruit's appearance in mind as you assemble the desserts. The best idea is to skip topping the dessert with banana and just include it in the middle layers.

But if you insist on a banana topping, slice the bananas as late as possible, and use the citrus trick, before using them as a final crowning finish at the very last minute right before serving. If you're wanting to make work light during the event, set out other garnish ingredients like homemade whipped cream, shavings of chocolate, or powdery sprinkles of cinnamon and cocoa ready to add before serving. When you take on this strategic approach to layering, your next batch of banana pudding may end up on social feeds long before dishes are emptied, or at least look as appealing as possible for everyone to enjoy.