Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

If you’ve ever visited Magnolia Bakery, you already know their famous Banana Pudding is legendary! This creamy, dreamy dessert is layered with silky vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and classic Nilla Wafers for the ultimate no-bake treat.

The best part? This easy recipe tastes just like the original and only takes 15 minutes to prep. After chilling, the flavors blend beautifully into a soft, fluffy, irresistible dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups ice-cold water
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sliced bananas
• 1 (12-ounce) box Nilla Wafer cookies

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

• In a large bowl, add sweetened condensed milk.
• Beat with a hand mixer while slowly streaming in ice-cold water.
• Add vanilla instant pudding mix.
• Beat until fully combined and smooth.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thickened.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

• Beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture.
• Mix until no white streaks remain.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

• In a trifle dish, bowl, or pan, start with a layer of Nilla Wafers.
• Add a layer of sliced bananas.
• Spread a layer of the pudding mixture.
• Repeat layers until dish is full.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for 4–8 hours.
• Top with extra bananas or crushed wafers if desired.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Best served well chilled for maximum flavor.
• Garnish with crushed wafers right before serving to keep them crisp.
• Serve in individual mason jars for parties.
• Add extra whipped cream for a bakery-style look.

Storage Tips

• Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
• Bananas may brown slightly after 24 hours (still safe to eat).
• Do not freeze — texture will change.
• For best results, assemble 8–12 hours before serving.

Variations

1. Chocolate Banana Pudding – Add ½ cup cocoa powder or chocolate pudding mix.
2. Strawberry Banana Twist – Add sliced strawberries between layers.
3. Peanut Butter Banana – Fold ½ cup creamy peanut butter into pudding mixture.
4. Caramel Drizzle Version – Add caramel sauce between layers.
5. Oreo Banana Pudding – Replace wafers with crushed Oreos.
6. Nutella Banana Delight – Swirl Nutella into pudding before layering.
7. Cheesecake Style – Add 8 oz softened cream cheese to pudding base.
8. Coconut Banana Pudding – Add toasted coconut flakes between layers.
9. Banana Foster Inspired – Add a drizzle of caramel and cinnamon.
10. Mini Party Cups – Serve in small clear cups for events.
11. Vanilla Bean Upgrade – Add 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste.
12. Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free vanilla cookies.
13. Banana Cream Pie Style – Top with whipped cream and cookie crust base.
14. Protein Boost Version – Mix in 1 scoop vanilla protein powder.
15. Layered Trifle Showstopper – Use a tall trifle bowl for dramatic layers.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Yes! Just ensure it’s fully cooled before mixing.

2. Why does it need to chill so long?

Chilling softens the wafers and blends flavors perfectly.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better when made 8–12 hours ahead.

4. How do I keep bananas from browning?

Lightly brush with lemon juice (optional).

5. Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes, substitute equal amount.

6. What’s the best dish to use?

A trifle bowl, 9×13 pan, or large glass bowl works great.

7. Can I reduce the sweetness?

Use unsweetened whipped cream and slightly less condensed milk.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely — perfect for large gatherings.

9. Can I add cream cheese?

Yes! It creates a cheesecake-style texture.

10. Why are my wafers hard?

It hasn’t chilled long enough — give it more time.

This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding copycat recipe is everything you want in a dessert — creamy, nostalgic, easy, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can recreate one of New York’s most famous desserts right at home.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, or late-night sweet cravings, this layered beauty will quickly become a family favorite!

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