Ina Garten’s Dreamy Banana Rum Trifle Recipe for Dessert Lovers

This indulgent banana rum trifle transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dessert that promises pure culinary magic.

Sweet layers of creamy richness dance together with bold rum-infused flavors, creating an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves decadent treats.

Complex textures blend seamlessly, offering a symphony of taste that captures attention from the first spoonful.

Silky smooth custard mingles with crunchy cookie crumbles, generating a delightful contrast that elevates the entire dessert.

Rich and sophisticated, this trifle represents the pinnacle of comfort food meets gourmet elegance.

Each carefully constructed layer tells a story of indulgence and careful preparation.

Professional techniques merge with homestyle comfort to produce something truly extraordinary: an irresistible finale to any meal.

Why Banana Rum Trifle Is Pure Indulgence

• Indulge in Creamy Rum-Soaked Decadence: This banana rum trifle transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert that combines rich, boozy flavors with classic comfort. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of soft cookies, creamy pudding, and fresh bananas.
• Master an Impressive No-Bake Showstopper: Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires no complicated baking techniques. The layered approach makes assembly straightforward, allowing even novice dessert makers to create a restaurant-worthy treat with minimal effort.
• Experience Texture-Rich Dessert Magic: Soft, pillowy whipped cream meets crunchy ginger snaps and silky banana slices, creating an irresistible contrast of textures. The overnight chilling process allows cookies to absorb the rum-infused cream, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that gets better with time.
• Craft a Make-Ahead Party Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, this trifle can be prepared entirely in advance. Refrigerating overnight not only enhances the flavors but also reduces day-of stress, making it an ideal dessert for entertaining friends and family.

What You’ll Need for Banana Rum Layers

• Milk: Rich, creamy base for the pudding mixture.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the pudding with a smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances flavors.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides extra richness and smooth consistency.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, light whipped texture.
• Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Seeds: Enhances deep, aromatic flavor.
• Rum: Adds warm, sophisticated undertone to the dessert.

• Ginger Snaps, Ginger Biscuits: Crunchy base that softens with moisture.
• Bananas: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Elegant topping for final decoration.

How to Build the Perfect Boozy Trifle

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Pudding Base

• Milk
• Cornstarch
• Sugar

Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Cook for one additional minute. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-24 hours.

Step 2: Whip Up Dreamy Cream Mixture

• Chilled milk mixture
• Vanilla extract
• Vanilla seeds
• Rum

Whisk on medium speed for about 3 minutes until soft peaks form again.

Step 3: Create Stunning Trifle Layers

• Cookies (broken to fill gaps and touch bowl sides)
• Banana slices
• Cream mixture

Repeat the layering process four times, ending with a cream layer on top.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate the trifle for one hour. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest overnight. This allows cookies to absorb liquid and soften, creating a mouthwatering texture.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

• Top with Sweetened Whipped Cream
• Sprinkle remaining ginger snaps

Serve chilled and watch everyone swoon over this delectable dessert!

Tips for Layering & Flavor Balance

• Freeze Banana Slices: Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain their fresh, golden color.
• Select Premium Rum: Choose a high-quality dark rum to enhance the depth and richness of the dessert's flavor profile.
• Create Uniform Layers: Use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful, distinct layers of pudding, cookies, and cream.
• Prepare Components Ahead: Make the pudding and whipped cream a day in advance to reduce last-minute preparation stress.
• Garnish with Finesse: Sprinkle crushed ginger snap cookies or fresh banana slices on top for an elegant and appetizing presentation.

How to Store Your Trifle Without a Mess

• Seal Perfectly: Protect the trifle's luscious layers by wrapping the entire dish tightly with heavy-duty plastic wrap, pressing directly against the surface to prevent air exposure and preserve moisture. Do this immediately after serving to lock in freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerator items.
• Container Choice: Select a deep, wide storage container with a secure lid that accommodates the entire trifle without compressing its delicate layers. Glass containers work best as they prevent odor transfer and allow you to admire the beautiful dessert even while stored.
• Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent refrigerator temperature between 35-40°F to keep the trifle's texture and taste optimal. Avoid placing near strong-smelling foods that might compromise the rum and banana flavors. Consume within 2-3 days for the most vibrant taste and texture experience.

Trifle Flavors to Make It Your Own

• Tropical Banana Paradise: Swap rum with coconut liqueur and add toasted coconut flakes between layers for a beach-inspired dessert that transports you to a sunny island getaway.
• Chocolate Banana Bliss: Incorporate chocolate wafer cookies instead of ginger snaps and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings between layers for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Spiced Caramel Dream: Replace rum with salted caramel sauce and add a light dusting of cinnamon between layers to create a warm, comforting dessert with complex undertones.
• Berry Banana Fusion: Introduce fresh raspberries or strawberries between the banana slices to add a tangy brightness and create a vibrant color contrast in the trifle.

A Sweet Sendoff for Banana Rum Trifle

Sweet banana rum trifle emerges as culinary poetry, blending delicate layers of creamy richness with classic ginger snap crunch.

Rich rum-infused cream whispers elegant decadence through each spoonful of this classic Ina Garten dessert.

Classic English-style trifle transforms simple ingredients into sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired magic.

Banana slices weave silky pathways between crisp cookie landscapes, creating harmonious flavor compositions.

Cold cream clouds drift across ginger-spiced terrains, promising delightful sensory adventures with every elegant bite.

Culinary enthusiasts – your taste buds demand this masterpiece; share this recipe, comment with passion, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms.

Ina Garten Banana Rum Trifle Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s banana rum trifle combines rich layers of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and rum-soaked cake for an irresistible dessert. Guests will savor each spoonful of this elegant English-style treat that promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Pudding Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large bananas, sliced ½ inch thick
• 1 (1-pound) box Nabisco Ginger Snaps
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) cold heavy cream
• 1 (14-ounce / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) whole milk
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Seeds from 1 split vanilla bean
• 3 tablespoons dark rum, such as Mount Gay
• Sweetened Whipped Cream, for decorating

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Instructions

1. Create a silky pudding base by combining milk, cornstarch, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Cook for an additional minute, then incorporate sweetened condensed milk. Transfer the pudding to a clean bowl and seal with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to develop and mixture to cool completely.
2. Prepare the cream mixture by pouring cold heavy cream (237 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces) into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat on low speed until the cream begins to thicken, then increase to high speed until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chilled milk mixture, vanilla extract, vanilla seeds, and rum. Continue whisking on medium speed for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture achieves a soft, luxurious texture.
3. Construct the trifle layers in a 3.3-liter (3½-quart) glass serving bowl with straight sides. Begin with a foundation of carefully arranged cookies, breaking them as needed to create a complete bottom layer that touches the bowl’s sides. Add a generous layer of sliced bananas, followed by a quarter of the prepared cream mixture. Repeat the layering process – cookies, bananas, cream – until you have created four distinct layers, ensuring the final layer is a smooth cream topping.
4. Allow the trifle to set and meld flavors by chilling for one hour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This resting period enables the cookies to absorb the liquid and soften, creating a harmonious texture throughout the dessert.
5. Just before serving, enhance the trifle’s presentation by adding a decorative layer of sweetened whipped cream on top. Garnish with remaining ginger snaps, strategically placed for visual appeal and added crunch. Serve the trifle well-chilled, allowing guests to appreciate the complex layers and intricate flavors.

Notes

• Snag perfectly ripe bananas that are sweet yet still holding their shape for maximum flavor depth.
• Carefully press ginger snap cookies against the bowl’s sides to create picture-perfect layers that absorb cream evenly.
• Whip cream just until soft peaks form, preventing stiff texture that could compromise the dessert’s delicate structure.
• Allow the entire trifle to rest overnight in the refrigerator, giving cookies time to soften and flavors a chance to mingle and intensify.
• Ensure pudding mixture is completely chilled before folding in whipped cream to maintain a light, airy consistency that makes each spoonful irresistible.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 10 servings
• Calories: 692
• Sugar: 69.6 g
• Sodium: 253 mg
• Fat: 37.7 g
• Saturated Fat: 21.0 g
• Carbohydrates: 82.9 g
• Fiber: 1.8 g
• Protein: 8.0 g
• Cholesterol: 95.6 mg