{stories and snapshots from my new york city life.}

9.30.2010

Banana Pudding

Before I give you the recipe for the most mind-numbingly awesome banana pudding you've ever shoveled in your face (courtesy of NYC's Magnolia Bakery), I'd like to suggest you run to your bottom drawer and pull out your cotton pajama pants. You know, the ones with the elastic waistband. I say this because you will invariably gain 10 pounds simply reading the ingredient list for this recipe. But let me assure you, any damage done will be totally worth it. If heaven had a taste, this would be it.

In the words of Rachel Zoe, "This. Is. Bananas." But, like, literally.

Banana pudding is beyond simple to make, but you have to allow yourself a few hours to let things set. First step is mixing a can of sweetened condensed milk (this is where you'll gain the first 3 lbs), vanilla pudding mix (lbs 4-6), and water. Once it's well-mixed, the pudding will need to set for at least 3 hours. Why don't you hit the gym while you're waiting? You know, like a preemptive strike.

Once the pudding is set, you'll pull this little devil (lbs 7-9) out of your fridge and whip it, whip it good.

It wasn't me, I swear. Blame it on my hungry, evil finger twin.

Once the pudding has set, and the cream has been whipped, you'll mix them together to form a sweet, creamy, deadly filling. Then it's time for the fun part--assembly. In a clear glass bowl or trifle dish, start layering Nilla wafers (lb. 10), followed by sliced bananas. Top with the pudding cream. Repeat. Stick finger in bowl to taste as required. Don't worry; I won't tell anybody.

Top it off with Nilla Wafers crushed in a food processor, then refrigerate for four hours (but no more than 8) before serving. 

Though I wanted to keep my family-sized pudding bowl all to myself, I found it in my heart to share it with others. I brought it over to a friend's birthday party and dressed it up with some leftover pink fabric and yellow ribbon. I also brought along yellow cups and spoons. I know. Cute, right?

And because I can't resist quoting the Zoe a second time, let me just say that I die for this dessert. In lieu of flowers, please just bury me in banana pudding.

16 comments:

  1. Banana pudding is one of my favs! This looks mouth watering good!! xo

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  2. Yummmmm. Looks sooo good. Love your little label for it too. It's the details that matter, am I right?

    In other Rachel Zoe news, did you hear that her and Brad "broke up"????

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  3. The packaging is just as important as the gift right? So simple, but your ribbon and hand-written tag are so sweet!

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  4. First off: Cutest packaging ever. You are so creative and what a wonderful gift. Second off: I now want to forgo dinner and eat banana pudding all night long. Wonderful post Jenn!

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  5. Magnolia's banana pudding is hands down my favorite dessert EVER. I will be making this recipe... thanks for sharing!

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  6. OMG! You're my newest blog crush! Bury me in that B-pudding, too!

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  7. Okay, so we are both 33 and we both love the Zoe. Um...so are you my sister from another mister or what? I know, that's just two things. that's just me over reacting like the Zoe.

    I pretty much love everything Bravo does, except for that new Jackie Warner show "Thinkeration" or whatever it's called. It's too serious and too exercise-y.

    Okay, so to the banana pudding. I LOVE BANANA PUDDING! it's also the key to my husband's heart (random info). I have never done the sweetened condensed milk trick. That's cool and yes, extra fattening. But who are we anyway? Jackie Warner? NO.

    Thanks for puttin' me on the roll, girl!

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  8. mmm, getting really hungry here. I am gonna make a carrot, banana cake this weekend I decided..

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  9. Ha! Ha! Okay, so now it's, 33, love the Zoe AND could live in craft stores? Yes, I will call you every five minutes...starting now.

    We are some kind of anti-SITC kindred spirits. yup, I checked, we are.

    Thank you for your sweet comments! Big hugs, Jenn!

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  10. "If heaven had a taste, this would be it." Amazing! You sure make it look like it will taste that good...can't wait to try it!

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  11. Ok, if your going to do the Zoe and Rodger, the boyfriend MUST get that hair perfectly swept forward and across the front of his forhead. Paramount! I think you will make a fab Zoe. Too cute. I die, too.

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  12. p.s. I expect pictures, you know.

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  13. First of all I'd just like to tell you that bananas make the roof of my mouth hurt but I would gladly endure that pain for some of that puddin. BTW, you seem like the kind of girl that would have watched "The State" on MTV years and years ago. Were you?

    Also, I was with my friends this weekend and I was in shock that they dont watch Zoe. In fact, they refused to believe that it's pronounced that way and not Zoey. I tried explaining the show to them but mainly just sat around all weekend saying "Babe" and "buh.na.nuhs." I'm sure it wasn't annoying AT ALL.

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  14. Shannon--never watched 'The State'. It sounds edgy and esoteric, and I am neither. But now I need to google it.

    Lauren--Girl, you know there will be pics. And I think he's going to be Brad, instead of Roger so it'll be cardigan and bowtie all the way.

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  15. Thanks for commenting on my blog! Now I've found yours, and now I want this banana pudding. Like right now :)

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  16. That banana pudding looks delish! But that wrapping makes it all that much better! Darling!!!

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