MAGNOLIA BAKERY: BANANA PUDDING RECIPE

When I started a blog I absolutely KNEW I would have to dedicate a post to one of my all time favorite desserts, the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. I first had this dessert many years ago while visiting my best friend when she lived in New York City. At the time, Magnolia Bakery was exclusively located in NYC. We visited the shop on Bleeker and West 11th street, majorly because it was the location that a scene of Sex and the City had been filmed. Not only was the bakery noted for it’s cameo in the show, and tiny square footage, people RAVED about their infamous banana pudding. So of course we had to order some (along with a few other treats) and from the first bit it was truly life changing!!! From then on every time I visited New York I always made sure to stop in to fulfill my craving.

Over time, and less visits to NYC (gosh I hope that changes soon), I have still craved that dang pudding. So a few years ago I was googling around and trying to find a way to recreate the pudding when I discovered that same bakery has their OWN cookbook…..with THE BANANA PUDDING RECIPE in it (how is that even a possibility?!). I was a little skeptical when I first made it at home, asking myself how it could possibly be as good as that little container packed full of goodness in NYC, but to my surprise it tasted of perfection! Since that discovery I have been making it for friends and family at least once a year.

I always seem to find myself whipping this recipe together in January, so I felt this was the perfect time to share it with you all! I think it must have something to do with feeling a little in between (since we have just left the holidays behind and are waiting for the warmer days of spring). This dessert is comforting and such a fun thing to share with the people you love. Whip it up into small containers and drop it off for neighbors and friends houses, or make a big bowl just for your family (or both!!). You never know who may need a little surprise pick me up to get them through a hard time!

BANANA PUDDING RECIPE:

Yield: When made in large bowl 16 servings, when made individually 8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Chilling: 3 Hours

Ingredients:

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice cold water
1 (3.4 oz.) box vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups of heavy cream
4 cups sliced banana
1 (12 oz.) box Nilla Wafers

Instructions:

In a large bowl, using a beater, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and ice cold water until well combined (around 1 minute). Then add the pudding mix and beat well (around 2 minutes). Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hour at minimum, or over night. Letting the pudding mixture set up is very important, if it does not set properly it will be runny and not the consistency you are looking for.
Once the part one had been chilled, in a large bowl whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Once the cream is ready, gently fold the cream into the pudding mixture until no streaks of pudding remain (you will be able to easily see this).
The dessert can either be made in individual cups or in a large glass bowl (I usually use a Trifle bowl) when making it for a group or my family. When making it in individual cups, like in this post, I grab some cardboard pint cups.
Now you get to assemble it!! Cover the bottom of your choice of dish with 1/3 of the Nilla Wafers, overlapping when necessary (just making sure the bottom is fully covered). Next, layer 1/3 of the bananas on top of the wafers, followed by 1/3 of the pudding mixture. Repeat twice more, garnishing the top with additional wafer or the crumbs on the top layer for a fancy look. Cover the top of your dish tightly and allow to chill at a minimum of 4 hours (or up to 8 hours). Chilling is very important, so your pudding mixture can sink down into your wafers and create the most lush taste (also to keep your bananas from turning brown!).
ENJOY!!!!

Source: Magnolia Bakery Cookbook