Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding transports you to sunlit porches and giggling gatherings, marrying velvety layers of vanilla pudding with clouds of whipped cream, crispy Nilla Wafers, and just-ripe banana slices. Each bite whispers childhood nostalgia, yet surprises with its grown-up charm—no boozy shortcuts here, only pure dairy splendor sweetened by sweetened condensed milk and a hint of clear vanilla essence. Perfect for potlucks or cozy family nights, this playful dessert comes together in chilled trifle layers that shine with golden wafer crumbs. One spoonful, and you’ll be plotting your next slice of this epic, irresistibly fun treat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Irresistibly creamy and rich texture that melts in your mouth.
- Layers of fresh bananas and crunchy Nilla Wafers create a delightful contrast.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
- Can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free dessert option.
- A nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories with every bite.
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Dessert |
Cuisine | American |
Prep Time | 20 minutes |
Cook Time | 0 minutes |
Extra Time | 240 minutes (resting) |
Total Time | 260 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Serves | 8 |
Best Served | Chilled and creamy |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the delicious Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding.

- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk – sweet and creamy base
- 1 cup very cold milk – adds richness
- ½ cup very cold water – helps blend the ingredients
- 1 3.4-oz box instant vanilla pudding mix – for a smooth texture
- 11–12 oz box Nilla Wafers – provides the classic crunch (reserve 5-6 wafers and crumbs)
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream – for lightness and fluffiness
- ½ tsp clear vanilla flavoring – enhances the vanilla taste
- 5 just-ripe bananas, sliced – for natural sweetness and flavor
How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
This delightful Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a treat that will make your taste buds dance! With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, a chilling time of at least 4 hours, and no cooking required, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Combine sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and cold milk in a mixer on low-medium for 1–2 minutes.
Step 2: Add Pudding Mix
Add instant vanilla pudding mix and beat on medium for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Whip heavy cream with vanilla flavoring on high until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Fold in Whipped Cream
Gently fold whipped cream into set pudding until uniform.
Step 6: Layer the Pudding
In a trifle dish, layer ⅓ of the wafers, 1½ cups banana slices, and ⅓ pudding. Repeat for 3 layers.
Step 7: Add Topping
Crush reserved wafers and sprinkle on top.
Step 8: Final Chill
Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Pro Tips for Making Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Use ripe bananas for extra sweetness.
- Make the layers even for better presentation.
- Use a cold metal bowl to whip ingredients more quickly.
- Garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.
How to Serve this Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Top with extra banana slices for a fresh touch.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm flavor twist.
- Use mini cups for individual servings at parties.
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this delightful dessert ahead of time and store it properly:
Storing Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Leftovers
- Cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep bananas separate if possible to prevent browning.
Freezing Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Freeze the pudding without bananas for best results.
- Use a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Reheat gently in the refrigerator, not in the microwave.
- Stir well to restore creaminess if needed.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and cold milk in a mixer on low-medium for 1–2 minutes.
- Add instant vanilla pudding mix and beat on medium for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Whip heavy cream with vanilla flavoring on high until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into set pudding until uniform.
- In a trifle dish, layer ⅓ of the wafers, 1½ cups banana slices, and ⅓ pudding. Repeat for 3 layers.
- Crush reserved wafers and sprinkle on top.
- Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Fat | 15g |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Sugar | 25g |
Fiber | 1g |
You can visit our breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts recipes from here:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for whole milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety to keep the flavor balanced. This will still give you a delicious pudding without the dairy!
2. How can I prevent the bananas from browning?
To keep your bananas looking fresh, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. The acidity in the lemon juice helps slow down the browning process, ensuring your dessert looks as good as it tastes!
3. Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes, this pudding is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh and prevent any odors from the fridge affecting the flavor.
4. What can I use instead of Nilla Wafers?
If you can’t find Nilla Wafers, you can use any vanilla-flavored cookies or even graham crackers as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat with Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding! This nostalgic dessert is not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. Each layer of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy wafers will transport you back to sweet memories. So gather your ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy every delicious bite!