Dreamy Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy, dreamy magnolia bakery banana pudding has captured dessert lovers’ hearts everywhere.

Sweet layers of nostalgia blend perfectly in this iconic treat.

New york’s famous bakery inspired countless home cooks to recreate this delightful dessert.

Soft bananas and velvety custard create a magical combination that melts in your mouth.

Comfort and indulgence dance together in each spoonful of this classic recipe.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary experience that feels like a warm hug.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible pudding that promises pure happiness.

FAQs

• What makes Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding different from other banana puddings?

This recipe uses a unique combination of instant vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, and cream cheese, creating a richer, creamier texture that sets it apart from traditional banana pudding recipes.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert actually tastes better when prepared in advance. It needs at least 6 hours of refrigeration to allow the flavors to meld and the Nilla wafers to soften, making it perfect for preparing a day before serving.

• Is it necessary to use an electric mixer for this recipe?

While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer is recommended for achieving the right consistency, especially when whipping the cream and combining the pudding mixture. It helps create a smoother, lighter texture that’s key to this dessert’s signature feel.

Reasons To Love Magnolia Banana Pudding

• Whip Up with Ease: This recipe offers simple steps that even beginner bakers can master without stress, making it perfect for anyone wanting to create a delicious dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic flavors of banana, vanilla, and cookies that appeal to all ages, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Prepare Ahead Perfection: Can be made in advance and chilled, which means less last-minute cooking stress and more time enjoying with friends and loved ones.
• No-Bake Delight: Requires no oven time, making it a cool and convenient dessert option during warm weather or when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen.

Key Ingredients For Magnolia Banana Pudding

Main Ingredients:

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A key component that provides the foundational creamy texture for the dessert.
• Cold Milk: Essential for activating and thickening the pudding mix.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and helps create a smooth, luxurious pudding consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy depth and helps stabilize the pudding mixture.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy texture when whipped to soft peaks.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its classic sweet essence.

• Nilla Wafers: Serves as both a crunchy base and a layering element with a classic vanilla cookie flavor.
• Bananas: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture to the dessert.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the Nilla wafer crumbs to create a crisp, cohesive crust.

• Extra Nilla Wafers, Banana Slices: Provides a decorative and complementary topping for the final presentation.

Step-By-Step Magnolia Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Create Pudding Base

Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a bowl.

Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes until it thickens nicely.

Step 2: Enhance Pudding Mixture

Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese into the pudding.

Use an electric hand mixer to blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Whip Up Cream

In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream and vanilla extract.

Beat with an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form, being careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Blend Cream and Pudding

Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a rubber spatula.

Refrigerate the combined mixture while preparing other components.

Step 5: Prepare Wafer Crust

Pulse Nilla wafers in a food processor until they resemble fine sand.

Mix with melted butter to create a crumbly base.

Step 6: Layer the Dessert

• Wafer crust layer
• Sliced banana layer
• Whole Nilla wafers
• Thick pudding layer

Repeat these layers two times, typically filling the chosen container.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to soften.

Step 8: Final Garnish

• One whole Nilla wafer
• Fresh banana slice
• Crushed Nilla wafers

Enjoy this delightful creamy treat!

Helpful Tips For Magnolia Banana Pudding

• Beat heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid over-mixing and creating butter-like texture.
• Slice bananas right before layering or toss with a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent quick discoloration.
• Whisk pudding mixture vigorously or use an electric mixer to eliminate any lumps and create a silky consistency.
• Let the dessert rest in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours so wafers soften and flavors meld together perfectly.
• Create even, neat layers by using a spoon or piping bag for precise pudding and wafer placement.

Creative Twists For Magnolia Banana Pudding

• Gluten-Free Banana Pudding: Replace Nilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Banana Pudding: Swap instant vanilla pudding with coconut pudding mix, use coconut milk, replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream, and use vegan cream cheese and whipped coconut cream.
• Low-Sugar Banana Pudding: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free condensed milk, use sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, and replace Nilla wafers with sugar-free vanilla wafers or crushed sugar-free cookies.
• Tropical Banana Pudding: Add a layer of diced pineapple or mango between banana layers, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical flavor profile.

Delicious Pairings With Magnolia Banana Pudding

• Banana Bliss Parfait: Layer the pudding in elegant clear glasses to showcase beautiful banana and wafer layers, perfect for dinner parties or summer gatherings.
• Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Create a large trifle bowl for weekend brunches, allowing guests to scoop generous portions of this creamy dessert directly from the central dish.
• Kid-Friendly Dessert Station: Set up a DIY pudding bar with pre-chilled pudding, extra Nilla wafers, banana slices, and small toppings so children can customize their own treats.
• Picnic Perfect Portable Treat: Pack individual mason jars with sealed lids for outdoor events, making this dessert easy to transport and serve without mess.

Best Ways To Store Banana Pudding

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep pudding covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent browning of bananas.
• Not recommended due to bananas and whipped cream losing texture. Pudding will become watery and separate upon thawing.
• Place plastic wrap directly on pudding surface before sealing container to minimize banana oxidation.
• Best enjoyed cold. Do not microwave or reheat, as it will break down the delicate whipped cream and pudding texture. Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator for optimal taste and consistency.

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding delights dessert enthusiasts with creamy layers of vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream. Smooth vanilla wafers add delightful crunch, making this New York classic an irresistible treat you’ll crave time and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 to 10 bananas (sliced)
• 1 bag Nilla wafers
• 5-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold milk
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups crumbs of Nilla Wafers
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the instant vanilla pudding mix by whisking with cold milk. Allow the mixture to set and thicken for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese into the pudding. Blend thoroughly using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Create whipped cream by beating heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be cautious not to over-whip the mixture.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a rubber spatula, creating a light and airy texture.
5. Transform Nilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix the crushed wafers with melted butter to create a crumbly base.
6. Select your serving vessel – either individual cups or a large trifle dish for presentation.
7. Layer the dessert by first adding the wafer-butter crumb mixture as the base. Arrange sliced bananas over the crumbs, then add a layer of Nilla wafers and cover with the prepared pudding mixture.
8. Repeat the layering process, typically creating two complete layers of bananas, wafers, and pudding.
9. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and textures to soften.
10. Before serving, garnish with a whole Nilla wafer, fresh banana slice, and sprinkle of crushed wafer crumbs for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Chill thoroughly for the best texture, allowing wafers to soften and flavors to meld perfectly.
• Use ripe, spotty bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor and natural caramel-like undertones.
• Avoid over-mixing whipped cream to maintain its light, airy consistency and prevent deflation.
• Prepare this dessert a day ahead for maximum flavor development and easier serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg