Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

I heard so much about this banana pudding and how delicious it was. But I wasn't convinced that it really was that amazing! So I decided to come up with my own recipe and make it even better! I want to recreate the best NYC eats and treats, and I'm thinking of doing a fantastic series on them all! So this was THE one I has to start with!

We entertain a lot! Lots of garden parties, BBQs and Dinners. And when I need to whip something up on short notice, this is the dessert I go for. I love how light and creamy this dessert is, without being overly sweet.

Preparation time 15 minutes

Cook time 10 minutes

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients

Vanilla Pudding Layer

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 egg yolks

• pinch of salt

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 3-4 large bananas, sliced

Base

• 200 grams digestive biscuits

• 1/3 cup melted butter

Cream Cheese Layer

• 1/2 cup cream cheese

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup whipped cream

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Topping

• 2 squares shaved chocolate

Instructions

1. Let's make the vanilla pudding: Heat two inches of water in a saucepan. When it begins to simmer, place a heatproof bowl on top and reduce the heat to low. The water shouldn't touch the bottom of the bowl. This is an easy double boiler set up.

2. Add the sugar, flour, egg yolks and salt to the heatproof bowl. Whisk them together until well combined.

3. Add half the milk in a steady stream, mixing while pouring. Pour in the remaining milk and mix well.

4. Cook on a medium heat for 12-14 minutes until thick and it coats the back of a spoon.

5. Turn off the heat, and remove the bowl from the double boiler.

6. Stir in the vanilla.

7. Place a layer of clingfilm on the surface of the vanilla pudding. This will prevent a crust from forming on top if the pudding.

8. Pop the bowl in the fridge until set.

9. Whip the heavy cream until thick.

10. Fold it into the cooled vanilla pudding 1/4 cup at a time. Do not over mix. You will lose all that air and the pudding will become dense and thick. Set aside.

11. Make the Cream cheese layer: Combine 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup whipped cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix until combined. Do not over beat. Set aside.

12. Make the base: Process the digestive biscuits until fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and mix again. The mixture should resemble sand.

13. Pour this mixture into a pyrex dish and press down with a spatula.

14. Pour over the vanilla pudding, then layer with sliced bananas, the cream cheese layer, bananas and then top off with whipped cream.

15. Sprinkle the shaved chocolate on top.

16. Chill for 2 hours before serving.