-
1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
2
For the cookies: Using a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
-
3
Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth, about 2 minutes.
-
4
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
-
5
Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture.
-
6
Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix until just combined, about 30 seconds.
-
7
At this point if the dough feels warm, refrigerate it until chilled, about 15 minutes.
-
8
When the dough feels cool to the touch, scoop out teaspoon-size balls and drop them on the prepared baking sheets.
-
9
The dough should yield 4 dozen balls.
-
10
Bake until golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
-
11
Let cool.
-
12
For the pudding: While the cookies are baking, warm 3 1/2 cups of the milk, granulated sugar and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
-
13
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, salt and remaining 1/2 cup milk.
-
14
Then whisk in the cornstarch.
-
15
Slowly pour the milk mixture into the egg-cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly.
-
16
When fully combined, add the mixture back to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
-
17
Cook, stirring often, until thickened to a pudding-like consistency, 10 to 15 minutes.
-
18
Remove from the heat and evenly spread in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
-
19
Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the pudding to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes.
-
20
While the pastry cream is chilling, combine the cream and confectioners' sugar in the stand mixer.
-
21
Whip on medium speed until thick and fluffy, 5 to 8 minutes.
-
22
Fold the pudding into the whipped cream, adding 1/3 cup at a time.
-
23
To assemble the pudding: Reserve 3 cookies for the topping.
-
24
Line the 9-by-13-inch baking dish with a layer of cookies, add a layer of bananas and half the pudding mixture; repeat.
-
25
You should have 2 layers.
-
26
Crush the reserved cookies in a resealable bag and sprinkle on top.
-
27
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold, 2 to 3 hours.