If there’s one dessert that has taken both New York City and social media by storm, it’s the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. This iconic treat has the ultimate trifecta of flavor: luscious layers of creamy vanilla pudding, pillows of freshly whipped cream, and perfectly ripe bananas, all nestled with crunchy-sweet vanilla wafers that soften into pure magic as the pudding sets. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl, turning everyday ingredients into an unforgettable indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
Pudding:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy cream
Assembly:
- 1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 cups ripe bananas, sliced

How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth. The cold water makes sure your pudding isn’t runny, so use water straight from the fridge if you can. Add in the vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously for about two minutes, until everything is beautifully combined and starting to thicken. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least four hours (overnight is even better), giving it time to become perfectly set and flavorful.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Once your pudding base is ready, it’s time for the magic ingredient that makes Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding legendary—fresh whipped cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until firm peaks form. This means the cream keeps its shape when you lift the beater out. Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter!

Step 3: Fold and Combine

Now, take that chilled pudding and gently fold the whipped cream into it. Use a spatula and a gentle hand to combine, folding until you have an even, pillowy mixture without any streaks. This step is what transforms your pudding from ordinary to extraordinary—airy, silky, and light as a cloud.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

This is where Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding gets its signature look! In a trifle dish, large bowl, or even individual cups, start by adding a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom. Follow with a layer of pudding mixture, then a generous layer of sliced bananas. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a final layer of pudding to cover everything.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Crush a few extra vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on top for a pretty (and tasty) garnish. Then, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight if you can wait. This resting time lets the flavors marry and transforms the cookies into perfectly soft, cake-like bites—a true hallmark of Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding.

How to Serve Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle a handful of freshly crushed vanilla wafers over the top—this simple touch adds a little crunch and extra visual flair. For a pop of color, you can add a few banana slices or even a mint sprig, but the classic cookie crumble really steals the show here.

Side Dishes

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you’re serving it for a party, pair it with light, bright accompaniments like fresh berries, a simple fruit salad, or a platter of crisp cookies for dipping. Some iced coffee, milk, or even an espresso alongside really rounds out the experience!

Creative Ways to Present

This crowd-pleaser looks lovely in a big trifle bowl, but for parties and picnics, try spooning it into mason jars, parfait glasses, or even cupcake liners for adorable individual servings. Want to wow your guests? Layer it into a clear punch bowl for a dramatic, gravity-defying dessert display!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftover Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 2 days before the bananas start to soften a bit too much.

Freezing

This pudding isn’t ideal for freezing, as the bananas and whipped cream can become watery and lose their luscious texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh and refrigerated instead of frozen—trust me, it’s never around long enough to need freezing anyway!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding since it’s a chilled, no-bake dessert. In fact, part of its charm is the cold, creamy bite. Simply remove from the fridge right before serving and spoon it up nice and cool.

FAQs

Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! If you love making pudding from scratch, a homemade version will work well, as long as it’s thick and allowed to cool completely before folding in the whipped cream. Just keep in mind the original Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding uses instant pudding for that ultra-smooth consistency and ease.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

The pudding’s creamy layers help insulate the bananas and keep them looking fresh. Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm, and always assemble the dessert no more than a day in advance for the prettiest presentation.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! For a dairy-free Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, swap in your favorite plant-based condensed milk, non-dairy whipping cream, and use a vegan vanilla pudding mix. Just double-check the vanilla wafers for hidden dairy ingredients as well.

Can I make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding in advance?

Making it ahead is encouraged! The flavors meld beautifully after several hours in the refrigerator—prepare it the night before your gathering for the best results (and less stress the day of).

What if I can’t find vanilla wafers?

If vanilla wafers aren’t available, you can use ladyfingers, butter cookies, or even shortbread as a substitute. Each brings a slightly different texture, but the overall effect will still echo the magic of Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like diving into a big spoonful of Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that bridges nostalgic comfort and pure indulgence every time. With its creamy layers and dreamy vanilla-banana flavor, this dessert deserves a star spot at your next gathering. Give it a try and watch it disappear—trust me, this is one recipe you’ll be asked for again and again!

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the iconic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding with layers of creamy goodness, sweet bananas, and vanilla wafers. This no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture:

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice-cold water

Pudding:

1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups heavy cream

Assembly:

1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafer cookies
4 cups ripe bananas, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a large bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth.
Prepare Pudding: Add pudding mix to the milk mixture, whisk for 2 minutes, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Whip Cream: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Combine: Fold whipped cream into chilled pudding mixture.
Layer: In a trifle dish, layer wafers, pudding, and bananas alternately, ending with pudding on top.
Garnish: Crush wafers, sprinkle on top, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.