Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert loved for its creamy texture and nostalgic flavors. Layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy Nilla Wafers come together to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups ice cold water
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sliced bananas
• 1 (12-ounce) box Nilla Wafer cookies

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk with a hand mixer while slowly streaming in the ice cold water.
2. Step 2: Add the vanilla instant pudding mix and beat until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until no white streaks remain.
5. Step 5: To assemble, layer Nilla Wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture in a large bowl, trifle dish, baking pan, or individual dishes. Repeat layers until the dish is full.
6. Step 6: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to let the flavors meld and the dessert set.
7. Step 7: Before serving, top with additional bananas and Nilla Wafers if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid browning and mushiness.
• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture.
• Swap Nilla Wafers for graham crackers for a slightly different texture.
• Make individual servings in clear glasses for a pretty presentation.

Storage

Store banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time frame as the bananas may brown and the wafers soften further. To reheat, allow the pudding to come to room temperature and enjoy chilled or slightly warmer as preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?

Yes, banana pudding improves in flavor when refrigerated for several hours or overnight, allowing the layers to meld perfectly.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

Use fresh, firm bananas and slice them just before assembling. You can also toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to slow browning.

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This classic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert featuring layers of velvety vanilla pudding, whipped cream, sliced bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafer cookies. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, it requires no baking and is best served chilled after setting overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pudding Mixture

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups ice cold water
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix

Whipped Cream

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream

Other Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced bananas (about 4 large bananas)
• 1 (12-ounce) box Nilla Wafer cookies

Instructions

1. Make the pudding mixture: In a large bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk and beat with a hand mixer while slowly streaming in 1 ½ cups of ice cold water. Add the vanilla instant pudding mix and continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to thicken and set.
2. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is thick enough to fold into the pudding without deflating.
3. Combine pudding and whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until no streaks of white remain, creating a light and creamy filling.
4. Assemble the pudding layers: Choose a large bowl, trifle dish, baking pan, or individual serving dishes. Start with a layer of Nilla Wafers at the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers until your dish is full, ending with the pudding layer on top.
5. Chill the assembled pudding: Cover the assembled dessert tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.
6. Serve: Before serving, optionally top with additional sliced bananas and Nilla Wafers for extra decoration and crunch. Serve cold and enjoy the creamy, fruity delight.

Notes

• For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pudding mixture overnight before assembly.
• Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent excessive browning.
• You can prepare this dessert up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whipped topping, though texture will vary slightly.
• If you prefer less sweetness, use low sugar pudding mix and reduce sweetened condensed milk by 2 ounces.
• Make sure to cover the pudding tightly to avoid picking up fridge odors.

Keywords: Banana Pudding, Magnolia Bakery, Vanilla Pudding, No-Bake Dessert, Layered Pudding, Southern Dessert, Nilla Wafers