For our October Cookbook Club, we dove into Dan Pelosi’s second book, Let’s Party! My contribution was his delish Spicy (Enough) Arancini and this absolutely dreamy Caramelized Banana Pudding – which, dare I say, may even be better than Magnolia Bakery’s! ‘
Dan’s version starts by halving ripe bananas, dusting them with cinnamon and brown sugar, and caramelizing them under the broiler until the edges are bubbling and golden.The base is a luscious mix of store-bought instant vanilla pudding, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, a little Greek yogurt for tang, and a cloud of whipped cream to lighten it all up.
Those layers – silky cream, caramelized bananas, and classic Nilla wafers – come together into pure nostalgia. I was nervous it might lean too sweet (two cans of condensed milk will do that!), but it turned out balanced, creamy, and impossible to stop eating.
It’s the best make-ahead dessert as it needs at least four hours in the fridge before serving. Be prepared, it makes a TON, but you’ll be glad for every last spoonful. Full Cookbook Club rundown is below!
Book: Let’s Party, page 216
Rating: 5/5
How Easy Is That – Skill Level: Easy
How Easy Is That – Time Involved: 30 minutes, 4 hours to chill
Store-Bought Is Fine: Vanilla instant pudding
Recipe not online.
The Full Book Menu
- Roasted Carrot & Sweet Onion Galette, page 132
- Spicy (Enough) Arancini, page 269
- Ginger Pumpkin Pie with Maple Whipped Cream, page 121
- Sunshine Pasta, page 80
- Chicken Thighs with Peas & Mom’s Rice, page 229
- One-Pot Broccoli, Shells & Cheese, page 240
- Grapefruit Mule, page 241
- Roasted Squash with Crispy Chickpeas & Feta, page 114
- Warm Farro Salad with Dried Fruit, page162
- Charred Broccoli with Anchovy Vinaigrette, page 176
- Garlicky Cauliflower Mash, page 175
