Get ready to swoon over spoonfuls of pure nostalgia: Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is the dreamy, creamy dessert that’s captured the hearts (and tastebuds) of New Yorkers and fans everywhere. Imagine billowy layers of luscious vanilla pudding, slices of sweet ripe banana, and cozy, crunchy Nilla wafers all melding together into magic. Whether it’s a family celebration, a potluck, or just a Tuesday cheer-up, this iconic treat only needs a handful of pantry staples but brings big smiles every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups ice-cold water
Pudding Base:
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Layering:
- 1 (11-ounce) box Nilla Wafers
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas (about 4-5 bananas)
How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and pour in the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water. Whisk these together for about a minute, until the mixture is fully blended and smooth. Next, sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix and keep whisking until there are no lumps and the pudding is just starting to thicken. This is where the flavor magic happens, so don’t rush! Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is great, too) to let the pudding base chill and thicken to the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
After the pudding base has done its thing in the fridge, pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a separate bowl. Using an electric mixer (or some strong whisking arm power), beat the cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you pull out your beaters or whisk, the cream stands up firmly on its own. This whipped cream is what transforms the pudding from standard to totally swoon-worthy.
Step 3: Fold and Combine
Now comes the fun! Grab the chilled pudding base and gently fold the whipped cream into it. Use a spatula to sweep through the mixture gently, turning and folding to keep all that fluffy air inside. This step is key for achieving that signature Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding texture—creamy, cloudlike, and never heavy.
Step 4: Layer Up
Pick out a trifle bowl, glass baking dish, or even mason jars for individual servings. Start by lining the bottom with a third of your Nilla Wafers, then nestle in a third of your sliced bananas. Spoon a third of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it gently. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with that billowy pudding crown on top. The layering not only looks gorgeous, but gives every bite a perfect combo of cookie, banana, and pudding!
Step 5: Chill and Meld
Once assembled, cover the dish tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 4–6 hours. This rest allows the cookies to soften just enough and all those sweet flavors to meld together beautifully. The wait is tough, but oh-so-worth it for that bakery-quality result at home!
How to Serve Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Garnishes
For an extra touch of visual (and flavorful) flair, sprinkle a few crushed Nilla Wafers or banana slices right before serving. A little dusting of cocoa powder, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a dollop of extra whipped cream takes this Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding from comforting to company-worthy in an instant.
Side Dishes
While Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding shines brightly all on its own, it also pairs well with a simple fruit salad, a pot of fresh-brewed coffee, or even a platter of chocolate chip cookies. It’s a lovely finish to Sunday dinner, a perfect palate cleanser after spicy barbecue, or an irresistible compliment at a summer picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling the pudding in individual mason jars or clear parfait cups for a picnic-friendly, mess-free treat. For parties, scoop it into mini dessert cups for the ultimate grab-and-go dessert table presentation. If you want to go over the top, drizzle a little caramel sauce or scatter some toasted nuts over the top before serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep them in the refrigerator. Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is best enjoyed within 24 to 48 hours—the cookies soften beautifully, but the bananas are still at their best and the pudding stays fresh.
Freezing
While freezing is not recommended for Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding because it can cause the pudding texture to change and the bananas to become mushy, you can freeze unpeeled bananas or extra Nilla Wafers ahead if you need. For best results, prepare and enjoy this pudding fresh.
Reheating
No need to reheat this dreamy dessert—it’s meant to be served refreshingly cold! If it’s been chilled for longer, simply let it sit out for a few minutes before serving so it’s not too ice-cold, and enjoy its signature creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant mix?
While classic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding uses instant pudding for that signature flavor and texture, you can certainly make a homemade custard. Just be sure it’s thick and fully chilled before folding in the whipped cream.
What’s the best way to prevent the bananas from browning?
Use ripe but firm bananas (no overripe brown spots) and assemble the pudding close to serving time. The pudding mixture helps coat and protect the fruit, but a gentle toss in a bit of lemon juice can also slow browning if you need to assemble in advance.
Can I make this dessert gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers for traditional Nilla Wafers and double check your pudding mix is gluten free. The result is every bit as delicious.
Can I assemble Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding the day before?
Yes, in fact, it’s even better after a good rest in the fridge. Assemble the night before your event, and serve within 24–48 hours for the freshest flavor and texture.
What kind of dishes work best for serving?
A trifle bowl or clear glass dish lets you show off those beautiful layers, but any deep bowl or even individual mason jars or cups work well. The layers are part of the joy—be creative and have fun!
Final Thoughts
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is pure comfort and joy in every creamy, fluffy, banana-swirled layer. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser, easy to whip up, and endlessly adaptable. Dive in with a big spoon—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again for every special occasion (or just because you need a little happy in a bowl). Give it a try, and get ready to taste why this iconic dessert has earned its legendary status!
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Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, nostalgic flavors of Magnolia Bakery’s famous Banana Pudding. This no-bake dessert features layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla Wafers for a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups ice-cold water
Pudding Base:
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Layering:
- 1 (11-ounce) box Nilla Wafers
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas (about 4–5 bananas)
Instructions
- Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a large bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk and water until combined.
- Add Pudding Mix: Incorporate instant pudding mix until smooth. Chill for at least 4 hours.
- Whip Cream: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into chilled pudding mixture.
- Assemble: Layer Nilla Wafers, bananas, and pudding in a trifle bowl, repeating twice. Chill for 4-6 hours.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas for best results.
- Enjoy within 24–48 hours for optimal freshness.
- Individual servings in cups or jars make for a lovely presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
