If you’re hunting for the ultimate show-stopping dessert that delivers pure nostalgia and creamy decadence in every bite, Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is just what you need. With luscious layers of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and those iconic Nilla wafers, this treat manages to be both comforting and extraordinary. Each spoonful is a blissful combination of velvety, cloud-like pudding and perfectly softened cookies, all elevated by fresh banana slices. Whether you’re serving it for family gatherings or just spoiling yourself, Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding promises rave reviews and second helpings every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Magnolia Bakery's Famous Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These six simple ingredients come together in the most magical way, each one adding its own special touch to Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding. Get the highest quality you can find—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference to the taste, texture, and visual appeal.

Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): The key to luscious sweetness—it makes the pudding rich and silky without being cloying.
Ice Cold Water (1½ cups): Keeps the pudding base light, smooth, and perfectly refreshing; cold water helps set the instant pudding properly.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz, Jell-O brand recommended): This magic powder thickens quickly and gives a delicate vanilla flavor that’s unmistakable.
Heavy Cream (3 cups): Whipped to fluffy peaks, it creates the pudding’s dreamy, cloud-like texture—you’ll never miss ordinary whipped topping again!
Vanilla Wafers (11 oz box, Nabisco Nilla Wafers): These classic cookies layer in just the right soft, cake-like bite as they soak up all the pudding goodness.
Ripe Bananas (5, sliced): The star of the show! Go for just-ripe bananas for a perfect balance of sweetness and structure.

How to Make Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding

Step 1: Blend the Pudding Base

Start by whisking together the ice cold water and the rich, sweetened condensed milk in a medium bowl. Once you’ve got a well-blended liquid, grab a separate bowl and add your instant vanilla pudding mix. Now, slowly whisk in your previously mixed liquid, steadily pouring and stirring to ensure a completely smooth and lump-free base. This is where Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding begins its journey to creamy perfection! Cover and refrigerate your pudding mixture for at least one hour, or let it chill overnight for even more depth of flavor.

Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream

While your pudding base is setting up nice and thick, turn your attention to the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer (or some serious elbow grease!), whip the cream at medium speed until it starts to thicken, then crank up the speed to high and keep going until stiff peaks form. This fluffy mound is what will make your Banana Pudding irresistibly light and airy—it’s not a step to rush!

Step 3: Fold Pudding and Whipped Cream Together

Once your pudding is well-chilled and your whipped cream is billowy, it’s time to marry the two. Add the pudding mixture to your whipped cream, then gently whisk or fold it in by hand until everything is combined and there are no streaks left. The mixture will be so silky and cloud-like at this point, you might want to sneak a taste (and I can’t blame you!).

Step 4: Layer the Pudding, Wafers, and Bananas

Now comes the fun part! In a large trifle dish or glass serving bowl, spread about a quarter of the pudding mixture over the bottom. Add a layer of vanilla wafers (use about one-third of the box) and then a generous scattering of banana slices (around 1 to 1½ bananas per layer). Repeat the layers—pudding, wafers, bananas—until you’ve used everything up, finishing with a crown of pudding and a handful of vanilla wafers pressed gently on top. Each layer is a promise of that authentic Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding experience!

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for four to six hours. This gives the cookies time to soften and all the flavors a chance to meld. For the absolute best texture, serve Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding within twelve hours—though good luck keeping it around that long!

How to Serve Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding

Garnishes

The classic topping is simply more Nilla wafers for crunch and that quintessential look. If you’re feeling creative, add a dusting of crushed wafers or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. A few extra banana slices right before serving make things extra inviting, especially if you want those bright, fresh vibes that Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is known for.

Side Dishes

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding shines so brightly, you don’t want to overshadow it! Pair it with freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even some tart fresh berries on the side. For summer parties, serve it alongside grilled peaches or light lemon bars to keep things sweet but balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Besides the classic trifle dish, consider serving individual portions in mason jars, parfait glasses, or even fun dessert cups for a grab-and-go option. Layer Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding in shot glasses for party-sized treats, or build it in a loaf pan and slice for surprising, elegant servings at more formal gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—just long enough to sneak a secret spoonful here and there! After that, the bananas may turn a bit brown, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing

Banana pudding isn’t a great candidate for freezing because the bananas can get mushy and the whipped cream texture will suffer. To keep that signature creamy consistency, enjoy your Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding freshly made or stored in the fridge rather than the freezer.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding—it’s meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. If it’s been chilling for a while and the top layer looks a bit firm, just let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and maximize the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream is what makes Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding so ethereal. Freshly whipped heavy cream provides the best, most natural flavor—skip the canned stuff for this one.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

Using perfectly ripe (but not overly ripe) bananas helps prevent browning. Assemble the pudding close to serving time and make sure the banana slices are fully covered by pudding and whipped cream layers. The pudding’s sweetness actually acts as a shield against oxidation, so the bananas stay vibrant for hours.

Can I substitute other cookies for Nilla wafers?

You can! While Nilla wafers have that classic taste and texture, shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or even ladyfingers also work. Just know that the texture and flavor will be a little different—but still delicious.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! There are great dairy-free condensed milk and cream alternatives at most grocery stores. Use a dairy-free instant pudding and plant-based whipping cream to assemble a Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding that everyone can enjoy.

How far in advance can I make this pudding?

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is best enjoyed within 12 hours after assembling. You can prep the pudding base a day ahead, but don’t layer the bananas and wafers until right before your event for the perfect creamy, dreamy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding at home, you’re in for a joyful surprise! Every step is easy and the result is pure magic—this is the dessert that brings people together and turns simple moments into sweet memories. Seriously, treat yourself and your favorite people to this classic. You’ll see why it’s so iconic, one creamy bite at a time!

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and delicious Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Layers of silky pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers create a heavenly dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding:

14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1½ cups ice cold water
3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O brand is recommended)

Whipped Cream:

3 cups heavy cream

Assembly:

11 oz box vanilla wafers (Nabisco Nilla Wafers are recommended)
5 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions

Prepare Pudding: Whisk together cold water and sweetened condensed milk. In a separate bowl, combine pudding mix with the liquid until smooth. Refrigerate until set.
Whip Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold pudding into whipped cream until well incorporated.
Layer: In a trifle dish, alternate layers of pudding mixture, wafers, and bananas, ending with a final layer of pudding. Garnish with wafers.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving.

Notes

For best results, assemble the pudding a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Feel free to customize by adding layers of caramel or chocolate sauce between the pudding layers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American