If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brings together nostalgia and wow-worthy flavor, look no further than Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. This dreamy treat is the perfect union of sweet cream, luscious bananas, and the irresistible crunch of Nilla Wafers, all layered to silky-smooth perfection. It’s a classic Southern-inspired recipe elevated by the famous New York bakery, and now you can bring that same magic home with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat.

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the secrets behind the blissful bite of Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding lies in its straightforward, quality components. Each ingredient here plays a vital role—contributing just the right flavor, texture, and harmony that makes every spoonful unforgettable.

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luxurious creaminess and just the right touch of sweetness for that signature pudding base.
Very cold milk: Chilled milk ensures your pudding sets up perfectly smooth and thick.
Very cold water: Helps lighten the mixture and keeps the texture silky rather than dense.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz box): Brings classic vanilla flavor and thickens the pudding effortlessly.
Nilla Wafers (11–12 oz box): These cookies become tender and cake-like, creating delightful layers within the pudding—reserve a few to crush for a pretty garnish.
Heavy whipping cream: Freshly whipped cream adds an airy, melt-in-your-mouth finish that makes this dessert irresistibly light.
Clear vanilla flavoring: This enhances the vanilla notes without any color, keeping the pudding pristine and creamy.
Bananas (just barely ripe, sliced): The star of the show—choose bananas that are yellow with only the faintest hint of green for texture and mellow sweetness.

How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Step 1: Combine the Dairy Base

Start by grabbing either a trusty hand mixer or your stand mixer. In the bowl, add the sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and very cold milk. Mixing all three together for about 1 to 2 minutes on low to medium speed creates a thick, creamy base that’s ready for the next flavor boost.

Step 2: Mix in the Pudding

Pour in your instant vanilla pudding mix and continue beating for another 2 minutes on medium speed. You’ll watch the mixture start to thicken and transform into a gloriously silky pudding. Now, patience is your ally: cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or make it even easier by letting it rest overnight. This ensures the pudding firms up just right.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

When the pudding mixture is set and you’re ready to assemble, bring out the heavy whipping cream and clear vanilla flavoring. Use your mixer to beat this duo until stiff peaks form. Fresh whipped cream, made just before folding in, will ensure Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding stays fluffy and light.

Step 4: Combine Pudding and Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture. Go slowly and mix until you see no more streaks—aim for a uniform, pale yellow color throughout. This is the secret to achieving that iconic cloud-like texture that sets this banana pudding apart.

Step 5: Layer Your Pudding

This part is pure fun—and a little artistic! In a trifle dish, large bowl, or even individual glasses, start with a layer of about a third of your Nilla Wafers (roughly 30 pieces). Arrange them along the bottom and sides for pretty presentation. Add a layer of banana slices, using about a third of your stash, then spoon on a third of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers two more times until all your goodies are used up.

Step 6: Topping and Final Chill

For the finishing touch, crush your reserved 5 to 6 Nilla Wafers and sprinkle the crumbs and any leftover bits from the box right on top. This little detail provides a satisfying contrast in texture and instantly makes your Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Instagram-worthy. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to dive in—chilling helps the flavors meld and the wafers to soften to cake-like bliss.

How to Serve Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Garnishes

Elevate each serving by adding a few fresh banana slices or an extra dusting of wafer crumbs on top. For special occasions, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint add fresh color and an extra pop of indulgence.

Side Dishes

You really don’t need much alongside this rich dessert, but if you’d like to offer a little something extra, shortbread cookies, light tea sandwiches, or a fresh berry salad all pair beautifully. The cool, creamy pudding contrasts especially well with the tartness of fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping display, build your Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding in individual mason jars or mini trifle dishes. Not only are these great for portion control, but they’re fun for parties or picnics and let guests admire the distinct layers before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days, as the bananas and wafers will soften with time and the bananas may darken a bit—but it still tastes fantastic!

Freezing

This isn’t a dish that freezes well—both the bananas and whipped cream can change texture when frozen and thawed. For the best experience, prepare just what you’ll enjoy within a couple of days, and savor every fresh, creamy bite.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is meant to be served chilled, making it a refreshing treat that’s ready straight from the fridge every time you crave it.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If you love making pudding from scratch, feel free to substitute your favorite homemade vanilla pudding recipe. Just make sure it’s fully cooled and set before folding in the whipped cream for the classic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding texture.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

Choose bananas that are just barely ripe, and slice them right before you assemble the pudding. You can also toss the slices with a bit of lemon juice to help prevent browning if you’re making the pudding ahead of time.

Is it possible to make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding dairy-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite dairy-free condensed milk, plant-based whipped topping, and dairy-free instant pudding. While the texture might differ slightly, you can still achieve a delicious banana pudding your whole crowd can enjoy.

Can I assemble this more than a day ahead?

While Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding holds up well for a day, assembling it more than 24 hours ahead means the wafers and bananas may get too soft. For the ultimate texture, assemble it the morning of your party or a few hours before serving.

What are the best ways to transport this dessert?

If you’re bringing Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding to a picnic or potluck, opt for a deep, sturdy bowl or individual containers. Wrap it well, keep it cold with an ice pack in your cooler, and add the final wafer crumb topping just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding at home, you’re in for a delightful treat! It’s simple, spectacular, and always earns rave reviews. Gather your ingredients, get layering, and prepare to share pure dessert happiness with everyone lucky enough to grab a spoonful.

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.1 from 23 reviews

This Copycat Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding recipe is rich and creamy, featuring layers of fresh bananas, vanilla pudding, and Nilla Wafers. A delightful and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup very cold milk
½ cup very cold water
1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
1 11 – 12 oz box of Nilla Wafers, reserve 5-6 wafers and crumbs from the box

For the Whipped Cream:

3 cups heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring

Additional:

5 bananas, just barely ripe, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Pudding: Combine sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and cold milk. Mix until smooth.
Add Pudding Mix: Add vanilla pudding mix, beat until slightly thickened. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Whip the Cream: Beat heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold whipped cream into pudding until well combined.
Layer: Alternate layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding in a serving bowl.
Finish: Top with crushed wafers. Refrigerate until serving.