Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about a creamy, cloud-like dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible, look no further than Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. This iconic treat is famous for its luscious layers of vanilla pudding, pillowy whipped cream, ripe bananas, and classic Nilla wafers. It’s a dessert that brings pure joy with every spoonful, and it’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Pudding Base
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
For the Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
For Assembly
- 1 (11-ounce) box Nilla Wafers
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas (about 4–5 medium bananas)
How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until the mixture is completely blended. Sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until smooth and thickened. It might seem a bit runny at first, but don’t worry—the magic happens as it chills! Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pudding base for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the ultimate texture.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Once your pudding base is set and chilled, pour the heavy whipping cream into a separate, chilled bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for that signature Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding fluffiness—don’t stop whipping until the cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters!
Step 3: Fold and Fluff
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding base, working in batches and being careful not to deflate the cream. Use a wide spatula and light, sweeping motions to combine until no streaks remain. The result should be smooth, airy, and absolutely irresistible. This is the moment when everything comes together and you’ll start to see (and taste!) why this dessert is so beloved.
Step 4: Layer the Goodness
Grab a clear trifle bowl or large glass dish to show off those gorgeous layers! Start by adding one-third of the Nilla Wafers in an even layer on the bottom. Top with one-third of the sliced bananas, followed by one-third of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a final layer of the creamy pudding. Smooth the top with a spatula for a beautiful finish.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight. This chill time allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften into cake-like layers—a signature trait of Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. The longer it sits, the more magical it becomes!
How to Serve Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Garnishes
The finishing touch can make all the difference! Try topping your pudding with extra Nilla Wafers, a swirl of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies for a touch of crunch. For a pop of color, add a few banana slices or even a dusting of cocoa powder. A little garnish goes a long way toward making your Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is rich and creamy, it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a light fruit salad on the side. If you’re serving a crowd, a platter of crisp cookies or delicate shortbread can add a fun, textural contrast. Keep things simple, and let the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding shine as the star of the show!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try assembling the pudding in individual mason jars or clear cups for a charming, portable treat. Mini trifle bowls or dessert glasses also work beautifully for dinner parties. You can even layer the pudding in a rectangular baking dish for easy slicing and serving at potlucks or picnics—the options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the bananas may darken slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious. For the freshest taste and appearance, enjoy within the first day or two.
Freezing
While this pudding is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Place individual servings in airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight—the texture will be slightly different, but still tasty for a cool treat.
Reheating
This is a no-bake, chilled dessert, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply serve it straight from the fridge! If you do freeze your Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, allow it to thaw fully in the refrigerator before enjoying for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you love making pudding from scratch, go for it—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up in the layers. The instant mix is used for convenience and the classic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding flavor, but homemade pudding can be a delicious twist.
Do the bananas turn brown?
Bananas will naturally darken a bit after slicing, especially after a day or two in the pudding. To keep them looking fresh, assemble the pudding soon before serving and use ripe, but not overripe, bananas. A little lemon juice can help slow down browning if you’re prepping ahead.
Can I make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the Nilla Wafers for your favorite gluten-free vanilla cookies. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
With a few substitutions, you can make a dairy-free version. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping in place of the heavy cream, and look for dairy-free pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk alternatives. The final result will have a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious!
How far in advance can I assemble the pudding?
For the best texture and appearance, assemble Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding no more than 24 hours before serving. This allows the cookies to soften without becoming mushy. If you need to prep ahead, keep the pudding, bananas, and wafers separate, then assemble a few hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is world-famous—it’s pure comfort, nostalgia, and fun all in one bite. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just to treat yourself, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with every creamy, dreamy spoonful!
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Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a classic, no-bake American dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers. This fluffy, rich pudding is whipped with heavy cream for a light texture and is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pudding Base
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
For the Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
For Assembly
- 1 (11-ounce) box Nilla Wafers
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas (about 4–5 medium bananas)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until fully combined. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the pudding set properly.
- Whip the cream: Once the pudding base is chilled and firm, whip the heavy cream in a separate chilled bowl using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This ensures a light and airy texture for the final pudding.
- Combine pudding and cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding base gradually, mixing until no streaks remain and the mixture is fluffy and uniform in texture.
- Layer the pudding: In a 4- to 5-quart trifle bowl or large glass dish, lay one-third of the Nilla Wafers on the bottom. Top this with one-third of the sliced bananas, then spread one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with the pudding on top. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Chill before serving: Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to soften beautifully.
Notes
- For the freshest taste and best texture, assemble the pudding on the same day you plan to serve it.
- Bananas may brown slightly over time but this does not affect the flavor.
- Using a clear glass trifle bowl creates an impressive layered presentation perfect for entertaining.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
