Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding – Creamy, Dreamy, and Iconic

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a luscious, no-bake dessert that combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and soft Nilla wafers.

This classic recipe is famous for its rich, sweet flavor and irresistible texture, making it a must-have for any dessert table.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl

Ingredients

2 cups cold heavy cream
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 box (12 oz) Nilla wafers
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced

Directions

1. Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until combined. Add the instant pudding mix and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Whip the Cream: In another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Assemble the Layers: In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, spread a layer of pudding mixture on the bottom. Top with a layer of Nilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
5. Chill: Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
6. Serve: Garnish with additional Nilla wafers or banana slices just before serving.

Prep Time

25 minutes (+4 hours chilling time)

Cook Time

None

Total Time

4 hours 25 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 12 servings)

Calories: 330
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 17g
Sugar: 25g

Expert Tips

Chill for Best Results: For the signature texture and flavor, don’t skip the refrigeration time. This allows the wafers to soften and meld with the pudding.

Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor, choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy.

Whipping Cream Consistency: Make sure the whipped cream is stiff but not overwhipped for the smoothest texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This pudding is even better when made a day in advance, as it gives the flavors more time to develop.

Can I substitute the Nilla wafers?
If you can’t find Nilla wafers, try using graham crackers or ladyfingers for a similar effect.

How long does it last in the fridge?
The pudding will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the bananas and whipped cream.

Substitutions & Variations

Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk to reduce the overall sugar content.

Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate between the layers for a decadent variation.

Berry Delight: Swap bananas for sliced strawberries or a mix of your favorite berries for a fruity twist.

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a luscious, no-bake dessert that combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and soft Nilla wafers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• - Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• - 9x13-inch dish or trifle bowl

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cold heavy cream
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
• 1 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 box 12 oz Nilla wafers
• 4-5 ripe bananas sliced

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Pudding:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until combined. Add the instant pudding mix and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• **Whip the Cream:** In another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
• **Fold the Cream:** Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
• **Assemble the Layers:** In a 9x13-inch dish or trifle bowl, spread a layer of pudding mixture on the bottom. Top with a layer of Nilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
• **Chill:** Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
• **Serve:** Garnish with additional Nilla wafers or banana slices just before serving.