Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a beloved dessert known for its creamy texture and rich banana flavor. Originating from the famous Magnolia Bakery in New York City, this pudding has become a favorite treat for many dessert lovers.

The layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding create a delightful combination that is hard to resist. Whether youโre a longtime fan or new to this dessert, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is sure to impress with its delicious taste and simple elegance.
If you love creamy, nostalgic desserts like this one, youโll definitely want to try this decadent Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake Bars recipe. Itโs just as rich and indulgent, perfect for anyone who craves velvety, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a standout dessert for many reasons. Here are a few compelling reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses easily accessible ingredients like bananas, vanilla pudding mix, Nilla Wafers, and heavy cream. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find components to create this delicious dessert.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal cooking, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The most challenging part is waiting for the pudding to set!
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of whipped cream and vanilla pudding creates a luscious, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
- Versatile: This banana pudding can be served in various ways, from individual servings in glasses to a large trifle bowl for sharing. It’s a versatile dessert that suits any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or attending a potluck, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is sure to be a hit. Its classic taste and presentation appeal to all ages, making it a reliable choice for gatherings.
- Nostalgic Flavor: This dessert brings a sense of nostalgia with its timeless flavor combination. The familiar taste of bananas and vanilla wafers takes many back to fond childhood memories.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dessert in advance, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Simply assemble it the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
By following this recipe, you can recreate the beloved Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding at home. It’s a dessert that combines simplicity with deliciousness, ensuring that it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Creating this recipe at home is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to make this delightful dessert:
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 (12 oz) box Nilla Wafers
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and water. Add the pudding mix and whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until firm.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
- In a large trifle dish or bowl, layer Nilla Wafers, pudding mixture, and sliced bananas. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of pudding mixture.
- Garnish with additional Nilla Wafers and banana slices if desired.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time) | Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 10 servings
To keep that banana theme going, try this fruity and refreshing Banana Mango Smoothie, itโs a quick, energizing blend that mirrors the fresh, tropical banana notes found in Magnoliaโs famous pudding.
Tips for Perfect recipe
For the best results, use ripe bananas. They should be yellow with brown spots, indicating peak sweetness and flavor. Also, make sure to chill the pudding mixture thoroughly before folding in the whipped cream. This ensures a thick and creamy consistency.
Helpful Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: High-quality vanilla pudding mix and fresh, ripe bananas make a big difference in the final taste.
- Even Layers: Aim for even layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding for a visually appealing dessert.
- Refrigeration: Letting the pudding set in the fridge for the recommended time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cooking Tips
- Prevent Browning: To keep the banana slices from browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice before layering.
- Whipping Cream: Make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is best served chilled. You can garnish it with additional banana slices or crushed Nilla Wafers for an extra touch. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Enjoy this classic treat and share it with friends and family for a delightful experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is essential to keep your Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding fresh and delicious. Here are some tips to ensure your pudding stays perfect:
- Refrigeration: Store the banana pudding in the refrigerator. Make sure itโs covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods.
- Shelf Life: Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation. The bananas may start to brown, and the wafers can become too soft if stored longer.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dessert. The texture of the pudding and the bananas can become mushy when thawed, compromising the quality.
- Serving from the Fridge: Before serving, you can give the pudding a gentle stir to refresh its texture. This will help redistribute any liquid that might have settled and ensure an even consistency.
- Transporting Tips: If youโre taking the banana pudding to an event or gathering, keep it chilled in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain its freshness until serving time.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy every bite of your recipe just as much as the first. Proper storage ensures that this delightful dessert remains a crowd-pleaser from the first serving to the last.
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding FAQs
What makes Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding so special?
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is renowned for its creamy texture and rich banana flavor. The combination of layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding creates a delightful dessert that is both nostalgic and delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Can I make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding ahead of time. In fact, it is recommended to let the pudding set in the refrigerator for at least 4-8 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can make it the night before to save time on the day of serving.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
To prevent the banana slices from browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. This will help maintain their color and freshness.
Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Yes, you can use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant pudding mix. However, using instant pudding mix is more convenient and ensures a consistent texture. If you choose to make homemade pudding, make sure it is completely chilled and set before folding in the whipped cream.
How long can I store Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding in the refrigerator?
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it is covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The bananas may start to brown, and the wafers can become too soft if stored longer.
Can I freeze Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding?
Freezing is not recommended for Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. The texture of the pudding and the bananas can become mushy when thawed, which compromises the quality of the dessert. It is best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, here are a few more irresistible dessert recipes youโll want to try next:
- No-Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake
- Homemade Strawberry Sauce
- Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies
- Raspberry Cheesecake Donuts
Each one is creamy, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Is the Best
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a timeless classic that captures the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and nostalgic. With layers of smooth vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crisp Nilla wafers, this homemade version tastes just like the bakery favorite, maybe even better! Itโs an easy, no-bake dessert thatโs perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holidays and potlucks. Each spoonful delivers pure comfort and happiness, making it one of those recipes youโll want to make again and again.
Now itโs your turn to try this beloved dessert! Follow the simple steps, and donโt forget to leave a comment sharing how yours turned out. For more sweet inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Print
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Magnolia-style Banana Pudding is easier than you think to make at home. Creamy vanilla pudding folded into whipped cream layered with Nilla Wafers and ripe bananas makes a dreamy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 (12 oz) box Nilla Wafers
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas (about 4โ5 medium bananas)
Instructions
- Make the Pudding Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice cold water. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand or stand mixer.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the chilled pudding mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or a 9×13-inch dish, arrange a layer of Nilla Wafers, then a layer of the pudding mixture, then a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of the pudding mixture on top.
- Garnish & Chill: Garnish the top with extra Nilla Wafers and banana slices if desired. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4โ6 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.
- Serve: Serve chilled. For best texture, consume within 24โ48 hours.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whipped topping. To prevent bananas from browning, toss slices with a little lemon juice before layering. If you prefer firmer texture, assemble just a few hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: banana pudding, magnolia banana pudding, nilla wafer pudding, no-bake dessert