Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is a beloved dessert that has captured the hearts of many, thanks to its rich, creamy layers of vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors, creating a comforting and indulgent treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this banana pudding will surely be a hit.

This dessert is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you can create a show-stopping dessert in no time. The key to this recipe is the combination of sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and instant vanilla pudding mix, which come together to create the smoothest, most flavorful pudding base. Layered with fresh bananas and crunchy Nilla wafers, this pudding is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this fan-favorite dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge, making it simple to whip up a batch anytime.

2. No-Bake Dessert

This is a no-bake dessert, meaning you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven. It’s a quick, hassle-free dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days or when you need to save time.

3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of sweet bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and crunchy wafers creates a dessert with the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

4. Make Ahead

This dessert is ideal for preparing ahead of time. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours, and the flavors will have time to meld together for an even more delicious treat.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Sweetened condensed milk
Ice cold water
Instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O brand is recommended)
Heavy cream
Vanilla wafers (Nabisco Nilla Wafers are recommended)
Ripe bananas, sliced

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

For a twist, you can add chocolate chips between the layers of pudding, bananas, and wafers. The richness of the chocolate complements the sweetness of the pudding beautifully.

Use Different Cookies

Instead of vanilla wafers, you could try using shortbread cookies or graham crackers for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Use Coconut Cream

For a tropical twist, replace some of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a coconut flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.

Make it Vegan

To make this recipe vegan, swap the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or non-dairy whipped cream.

Add Berries

For a fruity variation, you can add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries between the layers to give it a burst of color and extra flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, ice-cold water, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens and is well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 3: Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, creating a smooth, fluffy filling. Be sure not to deflate the whipped cream too much to maintain a light texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Banana Pudding

In a large serving dish or individual serving cups, layer the vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Add a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften. Once chilled, serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use ripe bananas: The bananas should be ripe but not overripe, as they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Let it chill: The pudding needs time to set and develop its full flavor, so don’t skip the chilling time.
Layer carefully: For the best presentation, layer the wafers, bananas, and pudding evenly, making sure each layer is spread out smoothly.
Double the recipe: If you’re serving a large crowd, feel free to double the recipe and make a bigger batch.

How to Serve

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of iced tea. You can serve it as a dessert at a family dinner or bring it along to a potluck or BBQ.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding will continue to thicken and develop flavor as it sits, so it will still be delicious for a few days.

Freezing

While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month if needed. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Banana pudding is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge and serve when you’re ready.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

While this recipe recommends using vanilla pudding mix, you can experiment with other flavors like banana pudding mix or butterscotch for a different twist.

2. How long does this dessert need to chill?

For the best results, let the banana pudding chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.

3. Can I make this dessert without whipped cream?

The whipped cream gives the pudding a light, airy texture, but you can substitute with Cool Whip or skip it altogether if you prefer a denser pudding.

4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use non-dairy substitutes such as coconut cream for the whipped cream and almond milk or coconut milk for the pudding base.

5. Can I use a different type of banana?

While ripe bananas are preferred for their sweetness and texture, you can use any type of banana. Just make sure they’re not too underripe.

6. Can I make this in individual servings?

Yes, you can assemble the banana pudding in individual cups or jars for a fun and portable dessert.

7. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can use homemade pudding, but instant pudding is much quicker and easier for this recipe.

8. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle some chocolate chips between the layers for added texture and flavor.

9. How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

If you’re concerned about the bananas turning brown, you can toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the pudding.

10. How far in advance can I make this dessert?

You can make this dessert up to a day ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or making in advance for parties.

Conclusion

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is an iconic dessert that’s loved by many for its creamy, decadent layers and comforting flavors. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With its balance of textures, the richness of the pudding, the softness of the bananas, and the crunch of the wafers, this dessert is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients and make this crowd-pleaser today!