Description
This Pavê de Banana com Bolacha Maizena is a nostalgic Brazilian dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla custard, caramelized bananas, and delicate Maizena cookies. It's quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and tastes best after chilling overnight.
Ingredients
1 liter Whole milk
1 can (395g) Sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons Cornstarch (Maizena)
3 units Egg yolks (strained)
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
2 packages (approx. 200g total) Maizena cookies (Maria or similar)
6 units Ripe bananas (nanica variety)
3 tablespoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard: In a saucepan, mix milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cornstarch until dissolved. Add strained egg yolks and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and starting to pull away from the bottom. Remove from heat and let cool completely
- Caramelize the bananas: Slice bananas into medium rounds. In a skillet, place sugar and heat over low until melted into a light caramel. Add bananas and cinnamon (if using). Gently stir for about 2 minutes. Set aside
- Assemble the pavê: In a rectangular dish, spread a thin layer of custard. Add a layer of Maizena cookies. Arrange a layer of caramelized bananas over the cookies. Repeat layers (custard, cookies, bananas), finishing with a top layer of custard. Smooth the surface
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The cookies will soften and flavors will meld. Before serving, garnish with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired
Notes
For a lighter version, use skim milk and demerara sugar instead of condensed milk.
To reduce sweetness, replace condensed milk with 1 can of heavy cream plus 4 tablespoons sugar.
Add a layer of dulce de leche for extra flavor, or substitute Maizena cookies with champagne biscuits.
Never soak the cookies in milk; they absorb moisture from the custard naturally.
Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as texture will suffer.
Serve chilled, optionally with a side of black coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian