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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the instant vanilla pudding mix by whisking with cold milk. Allow the mixture to set and thicken for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese into the pudding. Blend thoroughly using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Create whipped cream by beating heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be cautious not to over-whip the mixture.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a rubber spatula, creating a light and airy texture.
- Transform Nilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix the crushed wafers with melted butter to create a crumbly base.
- Select your serving vessel – either individual cups or a large trifle dish for presentation.
- 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.
- Repeat the layering process, typically creating two complete layers of bananas, wafers, and pudding.
- Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and textures to soften.
- 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