Famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

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Step into the sweet world of iconic desserts with a journey into the heart of New York City’s culinary scene. Nestled in the bustling streets of Manhattan lies the legendary Magnolia Bakery, a beloved institution celebrated for its timeless treats. Among its array of confectionery delights, one dessert stands out as a true crowd-pleaser: the Famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. With layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and delicate vanilla wafers, this classic dessert encapsulates indulgence in every spoonful. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this beloved recipe and embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy your sweetest cravings.

MAGNOLIA BAKERY’S STORY

The story of this world’s famed bakery begins in 1996 the Magnolia Bakery. The sweet smell of cakes and cookies, pies and pudding begins to beckon everyone to their door. The red velvet cupcakes and the banana pudding made a name for them. The Magnolia Bakery has become a destination for locals and tourists passing by. Check out their website magnoliabakery.com to find all their locations or to order online. BUT WAIT!! Once you see their price you will be making this at home for a fraction of the cost.

RECIPE USES SIMPLE INGREDIENTS:

Combine these ingredients and you will recreate the iconic flavor and texture of Magnolia Bakery’s Pudding right in your kitchen.

1. 1 (14oz Can) Sweetened Condensed Milk: This rich and creamy ingredient serves as the base for the pudding mixture.
2. 1 1/2 Cups Cold Water or Milk: Used to prepare the instant vanilla pudding, cold water or milk helps to create a smooth and creamy pudding.
3. 1 (3.5 oz Box) Instant Vanilla Pudding: Instant pudding mix is the key ingredient for creating the creamy pudding layer in this dessert.
4. 3 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream is whipped to stiff peaks and folded into the pudding mixture, creating a light and airy texture.
5. 6 Bananas, Sliced: Ripe bananas are layered with the pudding and vanilla wafers to create the signature flavor of banana pudding.
6. 2 (12 oz Boxes) Vanilla Wafers: Vanilla wafers are the classic cookie component of banana pudding, providing a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE THE famous BANANA PUDDING?

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water/milk until combined. Add the pudding mix and continue to use the hand mixer until combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. It’s important to allow the pudding mixture to set if you do not it will be watery.

In another large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form with an electric mixer. Beat the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until no streaks of pudding remain.

Get ready to assemble your famous dessert. It can be assembled an individual portion sampler or a large trifle bowl (4-5 quart capacity) or a 9×13 baking dish can work too. Arrange 1/3 of the wafers on the bottom, overlapping if necessary. Next, layer 1/3 of the bananas, and 1/3 of the pudding mixture.

Repeat twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer.

Cover tightly and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours allowing the wafers to soften.

PRO COOKING TIPS:

1. Use Ripe Bananas: Select bananas that are ripe but not overly soft for the best flavor and texture. Ripe bananas are sweeter and have a softer texture, making them perfect for layering in the pudding. Avoid bananas that are green or underripe, because they may not have enough sweetness.
2. Chill Ingredients: Ensure that your ingredients, especially the heavy whipping cream, are well chilled before using them. Cold ingredients whip up better creating a lighter, fluffier texture in the pudding. Chilling the mixing bowl and beaters or whisk attachment in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before whipping the cream for best results.
3. Fold in Whipped Cream Gently: When folding the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, use a gentle folding motion to avoid deflating the whipped cream. Fold gently ensuring that the pudding remains light and airy, resulting in a creamy and luxurious texture.
4. Layer Evenly: Assemble the layers of pudding, bananas, and wafers evenly in your serving dish. This helps to distribute the flavors and textures throughout the dessert, ensuring that each bite is balanced. Start with a layer of pudding on the bottom, followed by a layer of bananas and vanilla wafers. Then repeat until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
5. Chill Before Serving: After assembling, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. But, preferably overnight is best, before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the vanilla wafers to soften slightly. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

BEST WAY TO SERVE MAGNOLIA BAKERY BANANA PUDDING

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is best served chilled, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set properly. The layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers come together beautifully when served cold, creating a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience. Additionally, banana pudding is traditionally served in a large glass trifle dish or individual serving cups, showcasing its layers and inviting guests to dig in and enjoy. Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat at home or served on a special occasion, banana pudding is best served chilled for maximum enjoyment.

How to STORAGE AND prepare AHEAD of time?

By following these steps, you can easily prepare Magnolia banana pudding ahead of time and enjoy this indulgent dessert whenever you desire.

1. Storage: After assembling the famous banana pudding in a serving dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent air from entering and refrigerate. Make sure the plastic wrap is in direct contact with the surface of the pudding to prevent skin from forming. Banana pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
2. Prepare Ahead: You can prepare all the components of the banana pudding ahead of time. Prepare the pudding mixture and whipped cream separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Slice the bananas and keep them in a bowl with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Keep the vanilla wafers in their original packaging or an airtight container.
3. Assembly: When you’re ready to serve, layer the prepared pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers in your serving dish as instructed in the recipe. Make sure to distribute the layers evenly for the best presentation and flavor.
4. Chill Before Serving: Once assembled, cover the banana pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften slightly. Chilling also helps to set the pudding and achieve the perfect creamy texture.
5. Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, you can garnish the banana pudding with additional sliced bananas or crushed wafers for added texture and visual appeal. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

CAN the pudding recipe BE FROZEN?

While it’s technically possible to freeze banana pudding, it’s not recommended due to the potential change in texture and appearance upon thawing. The bananas may become mushy and watery, and the texture of the pudding can become grainy or separated after freezing and thawing. Additionally, the wafers may lose their crispness and become soggy. If you do decide to freeze banana pudding, it’s best to do so without the bananas and vanilla wafers. Store the pudding in an airtight container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw the pudding in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and then add fresh bananas and wafers before serving. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy banana pudding fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

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