Famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
If you’ve ever had Famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, you know it’s not just dessert—it’s an experience. This iconic treat layers creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and soft Nilla wafers into a dreamy dessert that’s both simple and decadent. The best part? You don’t have to wait in line at the bakery to enjoy it—you can make it at home! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this famous pudding will have everyone going back for seconds.
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:
- 1 (14oz Can) Sweetened Condensed Milk: This rich and creamy ingredient serves as the base for the pudding mixture.
- 1 1/2 Cups Cold Milk: Used to prepare the instant vanilla pudding, cold water or milk helps to create a smooth and creamy pudding.
- 1 (3.5 oz Box) Instant Vanilla Pudding: Instant pudding mix is the key ingredient for creating the creamy pudding layer in this dessert.
- 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.
- 6 Bananas, Sliced: Ripe bananas are layered with the pudding and vanilla wafers to create the signature flavor of banana pudding.
- 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 CREAMY BANANA PUDDING?
Time needed: 4 hours and 45 minutes
- Make the Pudding Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk and 1½ cups of whole milk. Use a whisk to mix until smooth. Add 1 (3.5 oz) box of instant vanilla pudding mix to the bowl. Whisk together until fully combined and no lumps remain. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the pudding is thick and set.
- Whip the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, pour 3 cups of heavy whipping cream. Use an electric mixer to beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This takes about 3-5 minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding base until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix. - Layer the Pudding:
In a Triffle Bowl begin with a layer of vanilla wafers from the 2 (12 oz) boxes to cover the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas (use 8 bananas, thinly sliced). Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top. - Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, for the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften. Garnish with crushed wafers or banana slices just before serving. Enjoy!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, use ripe but firm bananas. To prevent browning, dip slices in lemon or pineapple juice before layering. But this will alter the flavor slightly.
Absolutely! Homemade pudding adds a rich, personalized touch to the dish.
Chill for at least 2-4 hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
Overmixing the pudding or not chilling long enough can cause it to be runny. Ensure proper pudding consistency before layering.
SWEET BANANA PUDDING – PRO COOKING TIPS
- Use Ripe Bananas: Pick bananas that are nice and ripe—sweet and soft, but not mushy. They’re perfect for layering and add just the right sweetness. Skip the green ones; they’re not sweet enough and won’t give the best flavor.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your heavy whipping cream is super cold before you start. Cold cream whips up fluffier, giving your pudding that light, dreamy texture. Bonus tip: chill your mixing bowl and whisk or beaters for 15–30 minutes too!
- Fold in Whipped Cream Carefully: When adding the whipped cream to the pudding mixture, gently fold it in so it stays fluffy. This keeps the pudding creamy and light instead of dense.
- Layer Evenly: Start with pudding at the bottom, then add a layer of banana slices and vanilla wafers. Keep repeating until you use everything, ending with pudding on top. Even layers make every bite balanced and delicious.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover your dish and chill it for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This lets the flavors blend and softens the wafers just the right amount. Serve it cold, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!
BANANA PUDDING RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Vanilla Wafer Swap: Use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even biscoff cookies for a different flavor and crunch.
- Flavor Twist: Replace vanilla pudding with banana, butterscotch, or chocolate pudding for a new taste experience.
- Fruit Add-Ins: Mix in layers of strawberries, blueberries, or pineapple for added fruitiness and color.
- Lighter Version: Swap out heavy whipping cream for whipped topping or use low-fat milk to lighten it up.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle in toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts between the layers for added texture.
- Boozy Banana Pudding: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the pudding mixture for a grown-up twist.
WHAT IS THE 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 DO YOU STORE LEFTOVER BANANA PUDDING?
To store leftover banana pudding, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. It’s best to keep it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 2–3 days. Keep in mind, the longer it sits, the softer the wafers and bananas will get, which can change the texture—but it’ll still taste delicious! For the best experience, enjoy the leftovers as soon as possible.
CAN the mAGNOLIA’S BANANA pudding recipe BE FROZEN?
Freezing banana pudding isn’t ideal because it can change the texture of the ingredients. The whipped cream may lose its fluffiness, the bananas can turn mushy, and the wafers might become overly soft or soggy when thawed. However, if you really want to freeze it, you can store it in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge and expect some texture changes—it might not look as pretty, but it’ll still taste great!
Looking for more desserts? Try these!
Creamy German Chocolate Cheesecake: This indulgent treat marries the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the decadent flavors of German chocolate cake.
The Best Eclair Cake: The Best Eclair Cake is a classic dessert. It’s made with graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and topped with chocolate ganache. This no-bake Eclair Cake has all the taste of an éclair in the form of a cake.
Best Sour Cream Banana Cake: The recipe packs goodness by utilizing bananas, sour cream, and cream cheese frosting to top it off! This dessert will have rave reviews, so naturally everyone will be begging you to make it repeatedly.
Famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Equipment
- Trifle Bowl
Ingredients
Pudding Ingredients:
- 1 (14oz Can) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1½ Cups Whole Milk
- 1 (3.5 oz Box) Instant Vanilla Pudding
- 3 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
Layering Ingredients:
- 8 Bananas Bananas sliced
- 2 (12 oz Boxes) Vanilla Wafers
Instructions
- Make the Pudding Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk and 1½ cups of whole milk. Use a whisk to mix until smooth. Add 1 (3.5 oz) box of instant vanilla pudding mix to the bowl. Whisk together until fully combined and no lumps remain. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the pudding is thick and set.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour 3 cups of heavy whipping cream. Use an electric mixer to beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This takes about 3-5 minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding base until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix.
- Layer the Pudding: In a Triffle Bowl begin with a layer of vanilla wafers from the 2 (12 oz) boxes to cover the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas (use 8 bananas, thinly sliced). Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, for the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften. Garnish with crushed wafers or banana slices just before serving. Enjoy!