How far in advance can I prepare the banana-chocolate custard, and how long will it keep fresh in the refrigerator?
For best flavor and texture, you can make the custard up to 24 – 48 hours before serving; simply cover the glasses tightly once cooled and keep them refrigerated. Properly chilled, the dessert stays fresh for about 3 days—after that, the banana notes start to fade and the custard may weep slightly.
Can I substitute non-dairy milk (and other ingredients) to make this custard fully vegan?
Yes—swap the whole milk for any unsweetened, full-fat plant milk (oat, soy, or coconut work best), use a good vegan dark chocolate, and replace the egg yolks with 2 ½ Tbsp (about 20 g) additional cornstarch to thicken the custard. For garnish, top with whipped coconut cream and extra chocolate shavings to keep the dessert completely dairy- and egg-free.
Can I freeze the banana-chocolate custard for longer storage?
Technically you can freeze the custard, but both the banana purée and the cornstarch-thickened cream tend to become grainy and release water once thawed, so the texture is noticeably compromised. For best flavor and silkiness, keep it refrigerated and enjoy within 3 days rather than freezing.