Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Hey y’all! If you’re a fan of dreamy, creamy desserts, you’re in for a treat today with the iconic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. This beloved dessert combines pillowy whipped cream, luscious vanilla pudding, sweet banana slices, and Nilla wafers into one totally irresistible, crowd-pleasing trifle. Whether it’s for a birthday, potluck, or cozy Sunday at home, everyone will be asking for more. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

• Super creamy and rich texture thanks to homemade whipped cream and pudding.
• Easy to make ahead and perfect for gatherings or parties.
• No baking required—just quick assembly and chill time.
• Classic flavors everyone will love, with customizable layering.
• A guaranteed hit for all ages, from kids to adults!

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 (12-ounce) box Nilla Wafers (or other vanilla wafer cookies)
• 4 large ripe bananas, sliced

Directions

Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain, roughly 2 minutes.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pudding mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight, until fully set.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

4. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until no streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream for a light texture.
6. In a large trifle dish or 13×9-inch casserole, layer 1/3 of the Nilla Wafers, 1/3 of the sliced bananas, and 1/3 of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layering twice more, finishing with pudding mixture on top.
7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight for best flavor and texture).

Notes

• Banana Browning: Layer the bananas just before assembling to prevent browning.
• Chill Time: The longer the pudding chills, the more the cookies soften, creating that signature Magnolia texture.
• Serving Tip: Serve straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

Variations

• Chocolate Banana Pudding: Swap half the vanilla pudding mix for instant chocolate pudding.
• Berry Banana Pudding: Add fresh strawberries or blueberries to the layers.
• Nutty Crunch Banana Pudding: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts between layers for texture.

Required Equipment

• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Trifle dish or 13×9-inch casserole dish
• Spatula

Storage Instructions

Cover any leftover banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cookies will continue to soften, but the dessert remains delicious. Avoid freezing—it may affect texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or sweet iced tea for a true southern treat.
• Top with a few extra banana slices and crushed wafers for garnish just before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and minimal browning.
• Fold the whipped cream in gently to keep the pudding airy and light.
• Chill overnight for the most authentic Magnolia Bakery texture and flavor.

FAQ

Can I make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when made 12–24 hours ahead, allowing the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Yes, but instant pudding helps the dessert set quickly and gives the classic thick texture Magnolia is known for.

What if I don’t have Nilla Wafers?

You can substitute any other vanilla cookies or shortbread biscuits—the results will still be delicious!

Prep & Cooking Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

★★★★★ 4.50 from 14 ratings

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

yield: 10 servings

prep: 30 mins

cook: 0 mins

total: 30 mins

A classic, creamy banana pudding dessert made famous by Magnolia Bakery, featuring layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and rich vanilla pudding blended with whipped cream.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 (12-ounce) box Nilla Wafers (or other vanilla wafer cookies)
• 4 large ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions

1. 1
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. 2
   Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain, roughly 2 minutes.
3. 3
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pudding mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight, until fully set.
4. 4
   In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
5. 5
   Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until no streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream for a light texture.
6. 6
   In a large trifle dish or 13×9-inch casserole, layer 1/3 of the Nilla Wafers, 1/3 of the sliced bananas, and 1/3 of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layering twice more, finishing with pudding mixture on top.
7. 7
   Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight for best flavor and texture).

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 410 caloriescal

Protein: 6gg

Fat: 22gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 50gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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