3tablespoonsbanana liqueur, or 1 teaspoon banana flavoring
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
2ripe bananas
For the Crumble:
1cupvanilla wafers, about 15 cookies
2teaspoonssugar
1/4teaspoonground cinnamon
Pinchsalt
1tablespoonunsalted butter, melted
Instructions
To make the pudding: in a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt; set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring the milk to a boil. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the yolk mixture a little at a time to temper them. Pour the mixture back into a clean medium saucepan, add the banana liqueur, and whisk over medium-low heat until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Cook while constantly whisking until the pudding is glossy and quite thick, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer the pudding to a clean bowl.
Add the vanilla and butter and gently whisk until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. Press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 4 hours or up to 3 days..
To make the crumble: While the pudding sets, heat the oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Place the wafers in a resealable plastic bag and seal. Using a rolling pin, crush the vanilla wafers until they’re coarsely ground. Transfer them to a small bowl and stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle with butter and toss to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, and toast in the oven until brown and fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. (The crumbs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature)
To serve: Slice the bananas in half crosswise and then slice in half lengthwise so you have 4 quarters. Slice the banana quarters crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces and divide between 6 custard cups (sprinkle with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning). Whisk the pudding until it is soft and smooth, about 30 seconds, and then divide it between the custard cups. Top with the vanilla wafer mixture and serve.