Banana Pudding

My husband’s love for banana pudding was my motivation in finding a recipe that was easy, quick and delicious. Of course there are many recipes for banana pudding some include baking the pudding, some have meringue on the top and many other variations. After some searching I stumbled upon this recipe for a no bake banana pudding. It isn’t a heavy or soupy. In fact, its light and sweet and even better the next day. It isn’t exactly quick either but it’s worth the effort.

On a related note, I have never had baked banana pudding and I am curious if its actually good or not. Please let me know if baked banana pudding is actually worth it so I can consider giving it a try some time.

 

 I don't have a fancy trifle bowl so I used a deep dish tupperware container (I don't have a lot of room in my kitchen or refrigerator so I use what I have).

No Bake Banana Pudding

Recipe from Allrecipes

8 ounces sour cream

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cups whole milk

1 (16 ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies

4 bananas, peeled and sliced – I use the whole bundle of bananas so don’t be afraid to use them all

Combine the sour cream, whipped topping, pudding mix and milk in a big bowl. Stir or whisk until there are no lumps. Cut the bananas into slices. Once everything is mixed together and you have sliced the bananas take your trifle bowl, Tupperware container or whatever dish you are using and start layering everything. Start with a layer of cookies, then a layer of the pudding mixture and then bananas. Keep layering until you have reached the top of your container, making sure you end with a layer of pudding. Take the last few cookies and crush them or the crumbs left in the bag and sprinkle them on top. I think that completes this delicious dessert.

Chocolate Cupcakes

I think sometimes the simple, classic desserts are the best. Don’t get me wrong - I think that eccentric, unique flavors have a time and place but when you want to create something that can be enjoyed by everyone (unless they hate chocolate, which is just blasphemy I say) the classics are the way to go.

 

I made these cupcakes last year. In fact, I think that they were one of the first cupcakes I did that wasn’t for a class. The recipe is a simple doctored up chocolate cake recipe with a simple, very tasty chocolate buttercream. When it comes to chocolate buttercream this is my go-to recipe. It is light, smooth and heaven on the tongue. It also doesn’t get hard, crusty like other buttercreams.

Doctoring up a cake mix is just adding extra ingredients to a cake mix. The cake mix just gives you a base and you go from there. Some people add sour cream, more sugar, pudding, flavorings or Dream Whip to just name a few. I personally have had luck with this method more times than not but I do try baking from scratch as well.

Cupcakes

1 box of chocolate cake mix

Mix the ingredients as stated on the box (oil and eggs)

1 box of chocolate cake mix

Mix the ingredients as stated on the box (oil and eggs)

Add 1 cup of sour cream

Add 1 cup of sugar

Add 1 cup of flour

Generous dash of salt

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

Mix everything together and pour in a prepared cupcake pan. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or the time stated on the box and depending on how your oven works. When the tops spring back when touched then you will know that the cupcakes are done. Take the cupcakes out and put them on a cooling rack to cool before icing.

This is the type of icing that I can eat right out of the bowl. Its just that good. I don’t remember where I got the recipe, most likely from the Wilton forums or from Cake Central but you have to give it a try.

Chocolate Buttercream

 

3/4 cup Crisco

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups cocoa

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 lbs powdered sugar

1/2 cup of water or less depending on how thick or thin you want your icing

Beat the Crisco and butter together with the paddle attachment for your mixer. Add the cocoa. Mix again until the cocoa is all incorporated. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and most of the water. Beat at medium speed for a few minutes.

Cupcakes for a wedding shower

I love cupcakes. They are fun to make and easy to decorate. I made these cupcakes for a co-workers wedding shower. They were a big hit and I even got a thank you note from the bride to be.

Yellow cupcakes with vanilla buttercream (swirled with a Wilton 1M tip) and royal icing drop flowers.

Welcome to my blog

I am very excited to start this blog and share my adventures in baking and creating various sugary desserts for you. Please check back often as I share stories, recipes, links, ideas etc in all things sugar.