Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Banana Pudding Recipe
Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding is a classic, creamy dessert featuring layers of rich vanilla pudding, fresh sliced bananas, and crisp vanilla wafer cookies. This no-bake recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and smooth textures, making it a beloved treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups cold heavy cream
Assembly
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla)
- 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water on low speed until blended. Increase the speed to medium and whisk until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and continue beating until smooth and lump-free, approximately 2 minutes. Transfer this mixture to a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
- Whip the Cream: Using the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the cold heavy cream on medium speed for about 1 minute until it begins to thicken. Increase speed to medium-high and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Take care not to overwhip to avoid curdling.
- Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream: With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the chilled pudding mixture a spoonful at a time to the whipped cream. Mix gently until fully blended and no streaks remain.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding: Reserve 4 to 5 vanilla wafer cookies whole or crumbled for garnish. In a 4- to 5-quart trifle or wide glass bowl, or individual 8-ounce bowls or ramekins, layer one-quarter of the pudding mixture at the bottom. Top with one-third of the vanilla wafers and one-third of the banana slices, spreading them evenly to cover the layer. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a final layer of pudding on top.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled pudding tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours to allow cookies to soften slightly and the flavors to meld. The vanilla wafers should be tender when tested. For best taste and texture, serve within 12 hours of assembly. Just before serving, garnish the top with the reserved cookies or crumbled cookie pieces.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and mushiness.
- Allow the pudding mixture to chill and set adequately for a smooth, firm texture.
- Do not overwhip the cream to avoid turning it into butter.
- This dessert is best served within 12 hours after assembling the layers to keep the texture ideal.
- You can prepare the pudding mixture a day ahead for convenience.
Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla pudding, dessert, Magnolia Bakery, no bake dessert, creamy dessert, layered pudding, vanilla wafers, classic dessert
