Easy Homemade Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding Recipe

Memories of sweet southern comfort swirl around this magnolia bakery banana pudding.

Creamy layers whisper nostalgic tales of childhood desserts.

Bananas nestled between pillowy clouds of vanilla custard create pure magic.

Soft vanilla wafers add delightful crunch to each spoonful.

Delicate and indulgent, this classic treat promises to delight everyone at the table.

Simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary, making you feel like a dessert genius.

You’ll fall in love with every silky, rich bite of this iconic New York bakery’s most beloved recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant mix?

No, the instant pudding mix is crucial for achieving the classic Magnolia Bakery texture and setting properly. The mix contains stabilizers that help create the signature consistency.

• How ripe should the bananas be?

Use yellow bananas with just a few brown spots. Overly ripe bananas will be too mushy, while green bananas won’t provide enough sweetness and flavor.

• Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute Nilla wafers with gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! This banana pudding tastes best when made 1-2 days ahead, allowing the flavors to blend and wafers to soften. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until serving.

Banana Pudding That Brings Magnolia Bakery’s Charm Home

• Quick Family Dessert: Whip up this classic banana pudding in under an hour, perfect for busy households craving a sweet treat.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with simple ingredients, making it accessible for novice bakers and dessert lovers of all levels.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious time before serving at gatherings or potlucks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy wafers into a nostalgic dessert that appeals to kids and adults alike, guaranteeing smiles around the table.

Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding Recipe Full Ingredient List

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Thick, sweet base that adds rich creaminess and helps set the pudding.
• Cold Water: Helps dilute and blend the condensed milk smoothly.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides classic vanilla flavor and helps thicken the pudding.
• Milk: Adds additional liquid and helps create smooth pudding texture.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light and fluffy texture for the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with sweet, aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances cream's flavor.

• Banana Slices: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• Nilla Wafers: Classic cookie providing crunch and traditional banana pudding character, look for fresh, crisp cookies.

Magnolia Banana Pudding Layering Instructions

Step 1: Craft the Creamy Pudding Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cold water until silky smooth.

Sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk energetically for about a minute.

Gradually pour in milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes perfectly blended and velvety.

Seal the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to set into a luscious pudding.

Step 2: Whip Up Cloudlike Cream

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whip the mixture with enthusiasm until it forms beautiful, sturdy peaks.

Adjust the whipped cream’s texture to your personal preference, creating a light and airy consistency.

Step 3: Marry the Pudding and Cream

Once the pudding has set, gently fold in the whipped cream in quarters.

Blend carefully to maintain the airy texture, creating a luxurious and smooth mixture.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

• Whipped pudding
• Fresh banana slices
• Crispy Nilla wafers

Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used.

Crown the dessert with a final generous layer of whipped pudding.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Dance

Cover the dessert and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.

This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the wafers to soften, transforming the dessert into a heavenly treat.

Classic Pudding Tips from Magnolia Bakery Experts

Select bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor, ensuring your pudding tastes rich and naturally sweet.

Create even layers by placing banana slices and wafers carefully, guaranteeing each spoonful contains a perfect balance of creamy pudding, fruit, and crunch.

Toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice to slow oxidation and maintain their fresh, bright appearance in the dessert.

Control pudding thickness by adjusting whipped cream folding – less cream means denser pudding, more cream creates a lighter, airier consistency.

Prepare this dessert 1-2 days in advance, allowing flavors to develop and wafers to soften beautifully in the refrigerator for an even more delicious result.

Reheat Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding

• Store pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep chilled to maintain texture and prevent banana browning.
• Not recommended due to cream and banana components. Freezing will separate ingredients and compromise pudding's creamy consistency.
• Place plastic wrap directly on pudding's surface to minimize air exposure and slow banana oxidation.
• This dessert is best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as it will break down whipped cream and make pudding watery.

Drinks to Enjoy with Banana Pudding

• Pair Creamy Comfort with Crisp Contrasts: Serve this rich banana pudding with a chilled glass of sparkling prosecco to cut through the dessert's sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanse.
• Elevate with Coffee Companions: Match the pudding with a smooth cold brew or a classic cappuccino, which will complement the vanilla and banana flavors while adding a subtle caffeine kick.
• Enhance with Nutty Nibbles: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans around the dish to introduce a crunchy texture and earthy undertone that beautifully balances the pudding's creamy softness.
• Balance with Fruity Finish: Add a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to provide a tart contrast and brighten the dessert's overall sweet profile.

Magnolia Banana Pudding New Ideas

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free vanilla pudding mix. Swap condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a luscious vegan alternative.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Substitute Nilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies. Ensure all pudding ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Tropical Paradise: Mix in diced pineapple or mango between banana layers. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra Caribbean-inspired crunch.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Add cocoa powder to the pudding base or layer in chocolate wafers. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an indulgent chocolate banana pudding experience.

Magnolia Bakerys Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Magnolia Bakery’s legendary Banana Pudding delights with creamy layers of vanilla custard, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. Sweet New York nostalgia awaits when you indulge in this classic dessert that promises pure comfort and irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

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Pudding Base:

• 12–13 ounces (340–370 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup cold milk
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 1 box (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix

Whipped Cream:

• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Assembly Ingredients:

• 4 cups ripe bananas (thinly sliced)
• 1 box Nilla wafers

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Instructions

1. Create a silky pudding base by whisking sweetened condensed milk with cold water, ensuring no lumps remain. Incorporate instant vanilla pudding mix vigorously for one minute until completely integrated.
2. Gradually introduce milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency. Seal the pudding and allow it to rest and set in the refrigerator for a minimum of three hours.
3. Prepare a luxurious whipped cream by combining heavy cream with vanilla extract and a hint of salt. Whip the mixture until it develops sturdy, elegant peaks that hold their shape effortlessly.
4. Delicately merge the chilled pudding with the whipped cream, folding gently to maintain the light, airy texture. Incorporate the cream in quarter portions to ensure even distribution.
5. Select a clear serving vessel to showcase the dessert’s beautiful layers. Construct alternating strata of velvety pudding mixture, ripe banana slices, and crisp Nilla wafers, creating a visually appealing and texturally diverse composition.
6. Complete the final layer with a generous spread of the creamy pudding mixture, ensuring all components are elegantly covered.
7. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of four hours, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the wafers to soften, transforming the dish into a sublime, cohesive delicacy.

Notes

• Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly brown to ensure the best flavor and texture in your pudding.
• Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream for faster, fluffier results that hold their shape beautifully.
• Create even layers by using a clear dish to showcase the beautiful banana pudding and ensure each spoonful has perfect proportions.
• This dessert tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and wafers to soften delightfully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg