May 21, 2009

Because Cupcakes Are So Last Year

For years, every birthday in our house has included the infamous Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. People line up around the block waiting to get into the itty bitty store in the west village to buy of box of these treasured cupcakes. Truth be told, I'm not the biggest fan of the traditional vanilla or chocolate. They are a little grainy and dry and the frosting makes my teeth hurt just thinking about it. Some of the other flavors like spice or red velvet are okay, but they aren't the real star of the show. The real star is the banana pudding. It is absolutely ta-die-for, and has long been dubbed by Brad and I as the best dessert in nyc. 

For his birthday this year I decided to make the pudding myself instead of going out and buying a tub. I was completely shocked how easy it is to make. I was even more shocked that it tastes identical, if not better, than the one from the bakery. Score!! Seriously, if you are a banana pudding fan this absolutely must go on your "to make now" list. And if you are in ny you can also swing by and grab you some of the goodness (Buttercup carries all the same items as well, but wasn't mentioned on Sex and the City, so it's usually way less crowded).

Magnolia's Famous Banana Pudding
Recipe Courtesy of More from Magnolia

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice cold water
1 3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)
3 cups heavy cream
1 12-ounce box Nabisco Nilla Wafers (substituting not recommended)
4 cups sliced ripe bananas
  • Beat water and condensed milk together with an electric mixer until well combined (about 1 minute, and be careful, this one can fly every where!)
  • Beat in pudding mix for 2 more minutes.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Whip the cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding.
  • To assemble, do alternating layers of wafers, banana, and pudding. Make as many layers as you like and divey up the ingredients accordingly (you could also make individual portions in stemless wine glasses like I did).

22 comments:

Maria said...

I would choose this over a cupcake any day! It looks fabulous!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Oh, my. This is seriously tempting my sweet tooth. Thank you so much fro posting this.

Anonymous said...

i agree; the cupcakes are way overly hyped. i've never tried the banana pudding, but it looks great!

Foodiewife said...

MMmmmm, I love the creaminess of a good pudding. Banana is up there as a favorite. Your version looks tasty. Being a foodie purist, my personal challenge is trying to find a recipe "from scratch" without boxed pudding. Not that there's any shame in using a boxed mix! I'm looking for the challenge of it.
On cupcakes... I agree. I can eat one (okay, two), but I'm not as crazy about them as everyone else is.

Culinary Wannabe said...

Hi Debbie - I was totally shocked that the recipe called for the pudding mix. I totally thought I was going to have to do the whole gelatin thing. If you come up with something please let me know!

Dewi said...

Good grace, banana never sounded this good. So, the birthday guy must be so happy to have this delicious pudding! happy birthday to him!

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Banana pudding with nilla wafer is so retro hip.

Donna-FFW said...

LOVE this dessert. I will have to try this as we are all fans of the banana here.. and of course pudding!

Kerstin said...

Love it! Of all the desserts I've had in restaurants, banana pudding from a place in Chicago is in my top 5, it's definitely underappreciated!

Anonymous said...

My husband is a huge banana pudding fan! He will be thrilled if I make this for him! Delicious!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I definitely would choose this pudding over a cupcake. I know it must have been a hit with the birthday boy.
Sam

Sara said...

My husband loves banana pudding. I have been making a cooking light recipe, I think I'll try this one next time!

Jamie said...

Oooh yum! I just was talking with my sister about my mom's banana pudding with Nilla wafers she used to make when we were kids and loved (boxed vanilla pudding) and decided to make it. I just may go with your pudding recipe! And your little puddings in glasses are so beautiful! "Score!" is right!

pigpigscorner said...

I'll go for this too! yum yum!

Michelle @ Find Your Balance said...

Yeah, I'm over cupcakes. Wait, I never was not over cupcakes. What's the big deal? Bread pudding is delicious!

grace said...

oh, i would definitely prefer homemade banana pudding to a boring ol' cupcake! lovely presentation--i love seeing the layers!

Emily said...

Yes! I love it! I've been meaning to make banana pudding at some point. It looks sooo good.

Chef Fresco said...

I love banana pudding - my mom just made some today actually! Your version looks pretty delish too!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I'm back. Saw your picture on Stacy's blog where you guys were at the Foodbuzz event in the city. Great photo.
Sam

sugarlens said...

I believe you! Most of the time, homemade is better than store-bought!

I love cupcakes, but I am starting to get over all the hype. Too darn expensive.

Figtreeapps said...

Can I eat the picture?????????????? YUM Figtreeapps

Pumpkin said...

Is it bad that even after culinary school and working in professional bakeries, I *still* prefer pudding made from the packet to homemade, like 9 times out of 10?
I looooooove banana pudding. A total comfort dessert.