Have you ever traveled to NYC for the day, having a plan of exactly what, where and when you would eat? But then by the time you make it to the end of the day, you’re too stuffed to even look at any more food? Well, I have the solution for you. Bring New York City to your kitchen, and you can eat whatever food whenever you want. Here’s a list of copycat recipes that taste just as delicious as the NYC favorites.
1. Homemade Look-Alike Magnolia Banana Bread Pudding
Photo by Isabelle Smith
If you haven’t tried Magnolia’s banana bread pudding, then this DIY recipe is a must. I am lucky enough to have a sister who commutes to and from the city, where there just so happens to be a Magnolias Bakery located in Grand Central, who brings me one from time to time. However, when that’s not an option, this is the perfect alternative. This recipe is a combination of bananas, Nilla wafers and homemade whipped cream. The key to this treat is patience (I know, it’s hard to not just take a bite, but trust me, it’s worth it) and to wait overnight before serving it.
2. Look-Alike Levain Cookies
Photo by Natalie Beam
Levain Bakery is located on the Upper West Side, so it’s not always an easy trip for a NYC visitor. It’s a small shop that usually has a line out the door. Anyone who has been to Levain knows that they might just make one of the best cookies in NYC. Instead of waiting in the long line for one of their soft, hot, moist cookies, make them at home where you’ll have unlimited supply. Trust me, you’ll want more than one.
3. Homemade Momofuku Cereal Milk Smoothie
Photo by Aja Frost
Most people eat cereal in the morning for breakfast – but why eat it everyday when you can drink it in a smoothie form? This is one of those things where you don’t really believe how great it is until you’ve actually tasted it. Don’t let the brownish color fool you, this Momofuku Milk Bar cereal smoothie is delicious and definitely worth trying. If you fall in love with this smoothie (the way I know you will), here’s 9 other ideas that taste better than they look.
4. DIY Dominique Ansel Bakery’s Cronut
Photo by Annie Sullivan
A cronut (a donut and croissant combined) is most famously made in New York City at Dominique Ansel Bakery. People wait in a line that wraps around the block for one of their flaky, chewy breakfast treats. Instead of waiting in a long line, make cronuts at home. You’ll have both unlimited cronuts and the satisfaction of saving some money while still eating a delicious treat. You can even go crazy and decorate your cronut with whatever toppings you want. Whether it’s cinnamon, glazed or plain, make it yours. If you need some inspiration, here’s a few wacky ideas to decorate your cronuts.
5. Copycat Serendipity’s Frozen Hot Chocolate
Photo by Kristi Cook
Serendipity is a New York City staple. Many have memories of drinking frozen hot chocolate with family and friends around the holiday season. If you’re too busy to go to NYC itself, just make the frozen hot chocolate at home. You’ll save a buck and be just as satisfied. To take your frozen hot chocolate to the next level, make some homemade whipped cream and add some shaved chocolate on top for a double-y satisfying treat.
6. Ramen Burger
Photo by Taylor Wisdom
Most college students microwave up some ramen now and then. However, this here is no ordinary ramen – this is a ramen burger. The ramen noodles are piled and weighed down to make up the bun of the burger. The inside of the burger is filled with meat slathered in a spicy sauce. You can opt out of using the sauce if you don’t want the extra spice, but just in case you do want to test your boundaries, here are the do’s and don’ts of eating spicy foods.
7. Artichoke Basille’s Lookalike Pizza
Photo by Analiese Trimber
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza doesn’t have your ordinary New York Pizza. They have the most outrageous artichoke cheese pizza that tastes just like your favorite artichoke spinach dip. This alternative is perfect for when you’re craving something different with a little bit more flavor. If you don’t have the time to make it to the East Village, make this homemade version with fresh tomato, feta and artichoke. Cook this pizza for a movie night and you’ll surely impress. If you are left with any leftovers (you probably won’t have any), here’s a useful guide on what to do with leftover pizza.
8. DIY Mimi’s Dumplings
Photo by Monica Cheng
Who doesn’t love a good dumpling from Mimi Dumpling‘s in New York City. If you haven’t had a chance to try their food, here’s the alternative… make your own dumplings. This recipe has you covered, with everything from the homemade dough to the pork inside the dumplings. After making these, you’ll question ordering your favorite dirty Chinese food delivery.
9. Homemade Momofuku Crack Pie
Photo by Max Faucher
Anyone who’s had Momofuku Milk Bar‘s crack pie before knows that the best part of it is probably the crust. This is made up of their Milk Bar oat cookies. But if you can’t make it to New York City, don’t fret. This recipe tastes just like you’re eating the crack pie in Momofuku itself. Serve it for a few friends and they’ll never question your baking ability again.
10. Meatball Shop’s Homespun Chicken Meatballs
Photo by Becca Miller
It’s safe to say that most children grew up eating meatballs every now and then. No matter the type of meat or how they were served, a meatball is a meatball, and it’s always good. If you like meatballs then the Meatball Shop is the place for you. However, if you don’t get the chance to stop into the Meatball Shop, try this recipe for a chicken meatball on a bun with a homemade tomato sauce.
11. NYC-Style Everything Bagel
Photo by Jenny Shen
Picture this: A steamin’ hot, golden brown, freshly toasted, everything bagel, smothered in a glob of cream cheese. After one bite of the oniony deliciousness, you won’t stop. There’s nothing quite like a New York City bagel (don’t believe me… here’s the secret behind why New York bagels are so good), so why not just make them in your own kitchen? If you want to step up your bagel game, you can even make homemade cream cheese to go along with your NYC look-alike bagel. You can also go crazy and try out a cookie dough cream cheese recipe to top it off.
12. DIY Liquiteria’s Smoothie Bowls
Photo by Sristi Pradhan
Smoothie bowls have become an essential breakfast for people to get that perfect Insta pic. Just in case you’re not already an expert, here’s a few tips on taking the perfect smoothie bowl Instagram. The smoothie bowls at Liquiteria‘s won’t disappoint either your photos or your stomach. However, if you can’t make it over for one of their classic açaí bowls, make your own at home with this super quick, five minute recipe. You’ll have the perfect Instagram moment with this smoothie bowl, and you’ll be left fully satisfied.
13. New York Soft Pretzel
Photo by Jenny Shen
Walking through New York, you pass dozens of pretzel and hotdog carts. What most people don’t know is that some of those pretzels are actually worth getting (emphasis on some). Taking a bite into a warm salty, chewy pretzel can be the perfect snack for a grumbling tummy.
However, if you can’t make it to NYC and are still craving a delicious pretzel, just make this pretzel recipe. All your pretzel dilemmas will be solved. And if you’re wondering how much salt to put on… I say the more salt the better, here’s how you can use three different types of salt just in case you’re willing to get really creative.
14. Francois Payard Bakery’s Look-Alike Macarons
Photo by Bon Jin
No, Paris isn’t the only place that you can get a decent macaron. Francois Payard Bakery, in fact, has pretty amazing macarons. They have different flavors for you to choose from ranging from the classic flavors to their macaron ice cream sandwich hybrid flavors.
If you can’t make it into the store, you don’t need to be deprived of macarons. Here’s a recipe for classic dark chocolate macarons that won’t disappoint. If you are craving more macarons after this masterpiece, here’s 7 of the best macaron creations in the world for some inspiration.
15. Homemade Black Tap Milkshakes
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Black Tap has become well-known for their insanely large and over-the-top milkshakes. When you go, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is which milkshake to order. These recipes allow you to make just about every shake that Black Tap offers. Also, allowing you to save around $15 (per shake), and you can have as many as you want. You can even switch up the flavors with different ice cream bases.
After making these recipes, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled to New York City while managing to avoid the insane crowds and exhausting lines. Yes, NYC is an amazing place with great food. But, sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy food that’s just as amazing from your own kitchen.