If you’re on the hunt for a timeless dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe. This luscious treat brings together creamy pudding, perfectly ripe bananas, and nostalgic vanilla wafers in layers of pure joy. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to cozy afternoons and family gatherings, where each spoonful delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that keep everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Magnolia Bakery's Classic Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the smooth, creamy, and wonderfully textured magic that is Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe.

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and a natural sweetness that’s key to the pudding’s smooth texture.
Ice-cold water: Helps activate the instant pudding mix, ensuring it sets perfectly.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended): Forms the base of the dessert with that classic vanilla flavor and creamy consistency.
Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the pudding for a fluffy, airy finish.
Vanilla wafers (Nabisco Nilla Wafers recommended): Provide that nostalgic crunch and subtle vanilla undertone in every bite.
Ripe bananas: Bring natural sweetness and a soft, lush texture that complements the creamy pudding.

How to Make Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Make the Pudding

Start by whisking the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and continue whisking briskly for about two minutes until it thickens beautifully. Set it aside to give the pudding a chance to firm up while you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a clean, separate bowl, beat the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is what makes the pudding light and fluffy, balancing the dessert’s rich creaminess perfectly.

Step 3: Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream

Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture. Take your time to combine them smoothly without deflating the whipped cream. This step is crucial; it creates that signature silky texture Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe is famous for.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab a 9×13-inch dish or a similar-sized trifle dish and start layering. Begin with a base layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom, which will soak up the pudding and become decadently soft. Over the wafers, add a layer of fresh, sliced bananas for sweetness and freshness. Spoon about a third of your pudding mixture evenly over the bananas and wafers. Repeat this layering process two more times, making sure to finish with a pudding layer on top for a smooth, creamy surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least four hours, ideally overnight. This chilling step allows all the layers to meld together, the flavors to deepen, and the pudding to firm up just enough for that perfect scoopable consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, add a little extra magic with garnishes—vanilla wafers arranged on top or crushed for a delightful crunch. This little finishing touch makes Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe even more irresistible.

How to Serve Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or even a few fresh banana slices on top adds visual appeal and extra texture, ensuring every bite is just as inviting as the first.

Side Dishes

This pudding is a wonderful standalone treat, but it pairs beautifully with a simple fresh fruit salad or even a light cup of coffee or tea. The creamy sweetness contrasts in lovely harmony with tangier or more bitter side flavors, creating a balanced dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this classic to a new level by serving it in individual glass jars or trifle cups for a charming presentation. Layering the pudding and bananas with wafers in clear containers shows off those inviting layers, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and to maintain that creamy texture. Just know the pudding may thicken further, making it even richer.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this pudding because bananas and whipped cream don’t freeze well and might become mushy or separate upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This pudding is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Reheating isn’t ideal as it will alter the texture and the fresh flavors. Instead, savor it chilled for that classic, cool, creamy delight.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bananas or frozen ones?

For the best texture and flavor, always use fresh, ripe bananas. Frozen bananas release too much moisture and turn mushy, which can throw off the pudding’s consistency.

Can I make this pudding dairy-free?

You can try substituting heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives, but be aware the texture and flavor might differ from the classic version.

What is the best vanilla wafer to use?

Nabisco Nilla Wafers are recommended as they have the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, plus they soak up the pudding beautifully without falling apart too quickly.

How long should I chill the pudding?

At minimum, four hours of chilling is essential for the pudding to set and allow the flavors to meld. Overnight chilling yields the best results in texture and taste.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger dish or multiple dishes for layering. The method stays the same, but chilling time might increase slightly with more volume.

Final Thoughts

Making Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe at home is such a joyful experience—it’s like capturing a little slice of dessert heaven with every spoonful. I encourage you to give this beloved recipe a try and share it with the people you love. Once you do, you’ll understand why this dessert has remained a favorite for generations. Happy pudding-making!

Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.2 from 62 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is a classic, creamy, and indulgent dessert that layers vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and a smooth homemade pudding topped with whipped cream. Loved by all, this easy no-bake recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Pudding Base

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups ice-cold water
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)

Whipped Cream

3 cups heavy cream

Assembly

1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers (Nabisco Nilla Wafers recommended)
5 ripe bananas, sliced

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Instructions

Make the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Set aside to firm up while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Whip the Cream: In a separate cold bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.
Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined and smooth to create a light and creamy texture.
Assemble the Banana Pudding: In a 9×13-inch dish or a similarly sized trifle dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Then add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, followed by spooning about a third of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas and wafers.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture two more times, finishing with a final layer of pudding on top.
Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up to a perfect creamy consistency.
Serve: Before serving, garnish the top with extra vanilla wafers or lightly crushed wafers for added texture and appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy the classic Southern dessert.

Notes

For best results, use ripe bananas but not overly mushy to maintain texture in the pudding.
Chilling the pudding for at least 4 hours is crucial for proper setting and flavor blending.
The pudding mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but assembly is best done right before chilling for freshness.
You can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream, but heavy cream yields the best texture.
This dessert is best served chilled and should be consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Southern American