If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting pure Southern comfort in a dessert, then you’re going to love Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe. This classic Southern treat layers creamy, dreamy vanilla pudding with just-ripe bananas and the perfect crunch of Nilla Wafers to create a harmony of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a sweet indulgence at home, this recipe brings that unmistakable Magnolia Bakery magic right to your kitchen, and trust me — it’s easier than you might think!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of a single transparent glass bowl filled with a thick layer of smooth, white cream. The cream is spread softly in swirling patterns, giving a soft, fluffy look. The glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the scene. The light gently reflects on the glossy, creamy texture inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the authentic taste and luscious texture that Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding is famous for. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the velvety pudding to the crisp wafers and perfectly ripe bananas.

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a rich, creamy sweetness that forms the base of the pudding.
Ice cold water: Helps activate the instant pudding mix for that silky finish.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: The secret to that smooth, flavorful vanilla custard consistency.
Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the pudding for a fluffy, cloud-like texture.
Barely ripe bananas: The key to perfect flavor and color without turning mushy or overly sweet.
Nilla Wafers: Provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.

How to Make Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base

Start by beating together the sweetened condensed milk and ice cold water in a large bowl until well combined — about a minute. Next, whisk in your instant vanilla pudding mix thoroughly for about two minutes. Cover this mixture and let it chill in your refrigerator for 3-4 hours or even overnight. This step is crucial since the pudding needs time to set properly, otherwise, it will be too watery.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

While your pudding sets, take your heavy cream and whip it in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. This airy whipped cream will be folded into the pudding base to create that signature light and luscious texture that’s a hallmark of Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe.

Step 3: Combine Whipped Cream and Pudding

Gently fold the whipped cream into your chilled pudding mixture, taking care to keep the mixture light and airy with no streaks remaining. This fusion of textures is what transforms the pudding into a cloud-like dessert full of creamy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

It’s time to bring this dessert together! In a large glass bowl or a 9×13 baking dish, layer one-third of your Nilla Wafers to cover the bottom completely. Add one-third of your sliced bananas on top, followed by one-third of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing off with wafers or crushed wafer crumbs on top for a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover your assembled pudding tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but no longer than 8 hours. The chilling allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften just enough, while keeping the bananas fresh and beautifully golden without browning too much.

How to Serve Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe

The dish is shown in a white speckled bowl filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is a creamy white pudding-like texture, soft and smooth. On top of this are round, sliced banana pieces, light yellow in color, partially covered by the third layer, which is dollops of thick white cream. Scattered on the cream are small broken pieces of light brown vanilla wafers adding a crunchy texture. In the background is a white marbled surface, and a vintage silver spoon is lying next to the bowl. The overall look is soft with a mix of smooth and crumbly textures, warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little extra love on top can take your banana pudding from delicious to show-stopping. Consider sprinkling crushed Nilla Wafer crumbs or even a few banana slices brushed lightly with lemon juice to keep them fresh. Some fresh mint leaves can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, crisp accompaniments. A fresh berry salad or a simple citrus sorbet brings a refreshing contrast that balances the pudding’s richness. For those wanting to keep it classic, a cup of hot coffee or a glass of sweet tea is just the perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not upscale this classic by serving it in individual mason jars or pretty parfait glasses for a charming presentation? You can also create mini banana pudding trifles layered in shot glasses for parties, making it easy for guests to enjoy while adding a bit of elegance to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Consume within 2-3 days to enjoy it at its best before the bananas start to brown too much and the wafers soften excessively.

Freezing

Freezing banana pudding isn’t usually recommended because the whipped cream and bananas don’t freeze well, often resulting in a watery texture when thawed. For the best experience, enjoy this pudding fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This pudding is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. Instead, let refrigerated leftovers sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enhance its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses instant pudding for convenience and texture, homemade vanilla pudding can be a delicious alternative that adds a personal touch. Just ensure it’s well set and cooled before layering.

What type of bananas works best for this recipe?

You want to choose bananas that are barely ripe — firm with just a hint of green. They hold up better in the pudding without turning mushy or browning too quickly, preserving the fresh fruity flavor.

Can I prepare this banana pudding the day before?

Yes! In fact, letting it chill for several hours or overnight really enhances the flavor and softens the wafers beautifully. Just be mindful to consume within 8 hours after assembly to keep the bananas from browning excessively.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

Great question! You can brush the banana slices with lemon juice or another citrus juice before layering, which slows oxidation. Also, choosing barely ripe bananas and keeping the pudding covered tightly minimizes browning.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

While you could experiment with coconut milk pudding and dairy-free whipped cream, it won’t replicate the exact creamy texture that Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe is known for. However, dairy-free versions can still be tasty and enjoyable for those with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Making Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe at home is more than just preparing a dessert — it’s about creating a moment filled with comfort and joy. Every layer tells a story of creamy indulgence and nostalgic charm. So don’t hesitate; grab those simple ingredients and dive into this delicious, iconic treat. Your family, friends, and your sweet tooth will thank you!

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe

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Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is a luscious dessert layering creamy vanilla pudding, fresh sliced bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers. This classic southern treat combines a simple homemade pudding base with whipped cream for a light texture and is chilled for several hours to meld the flavors perfectly. Easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, this recipe is the exact one from Magnolia Bakery’s cookbook and guarantees a delightful, nostalgic dessert.

Author: Martha
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 15 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pudding

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups ice cold water
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

For the Whipped Cream

3 cups heavy cream

For Assembling

4 cups sliced barely ripe bananas (about 4–5 medium bananas)
1 (12 oz) box Nilla Wafers

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Instructions

Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and 1 ½ cups of ice cold water. Beat together using a hand mixer for about 1 minute until fully combined. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and continue beating for approximately 2 minutes until smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the pudding to fully set and thicken. This step is crucial to prevent a watery texture.
Whip the Cream: In a separate large bowl, whip the 3 cups of heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. This gives the pudding a light and airy texture.
Combine Whipped Cream and Pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until no streaks remain. Take care to fold gently to preserve the fluffy texture.
Assemble the Banana Pudding: Using either individual serving dishes or a large 4-5 quart glass bowl (a 9×13 inch baking dish can also be used), start by arranging one-third of the Nilla wafers along the bottom, overlapping as needed. Add one-third of the sliced bananas in an even layer over the wafers. Spread one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with a top layer of wafers or crushed wafer crumbs as garnish.
Chill the Dessert: Cover the assembled banana pudding tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 8 hours. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly, creating the iconic creamy and crunchy texture.

Notes

Serve the banana pudding within 8 hours to prevent the bananas from browning due to oxidation.
Choose bananas that are barely ripe or slightly green at the stem to slow down browning.
To minimize browning, you can lightly brush banana slices with lemon juice or other fruit juices like pineapple or apple; this can slightly alter the flavor.
Rinsing banana slices with club soda can also slow browning without affecting taste; avoid tonic water as it adds an unpleasant flavor.
Keep the pudding airtight and ensure bananas are covered by the pudding mixture to limit air exposure and slow browning.