Description
This classic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding recipe combines creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, crunchy Nilla Wafers, and fluffy whipped cream to create a luscious, layered dessert that’s a favorite at gatherings and potlucks. The pudding is made instantly with sweetened condensed milk and instant vanilla pudding mix, layered with slices of ripe bananas and crispy wafers, then topped with whipped cream and reserved wafer crumbs for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup very cold milk
- ½ cup very cold water
- 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
Other Ingredients
- 1 11–12 oz box of Nilla Wafers (reserve 5–6 wafers and crumbs from box)
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 5 bananas, just barely ripe, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, very cold milk, very cold water, and instant vanilla pudding powder. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Refrigerate for a few minutes to set.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the clear vanilla flavoring using an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. This ensures a light and airy texture for the topping.
- Fold whipped cream into pudding: Gently fold about half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until combined and smooth. This creates a creamy, mousse-like consistency.
- Assemble the layers: In a large trifle dish or glass serving bowl, layer a third of the Nilla Wafers evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, followed by a layer of the pudding and whipped cream mixture. Repeat the layering process twice more: wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture.
- Top the pudding: Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top layer of pudding. Crush the reserved 5-6 Nilla Wafers and sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the whipped cream for garnish.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, spoon the banana pudding into individual bowls, ensuring each serving has layers of creamy pudding, bananas, and crunchy wafers for a perfect bite every time.
Notes
- Use very cold milk and water for the pudding mix to help it set properly and quickly.
- Do not use overripe bananas; just barely ripe bananas provide the best texture and sweetness.
- For best results, chill the whipped cream bowl and beaters before whipping to achieve stiff peaks.
- This banana pudding is best served after chilling overnight but can be served after 4 hours if pressed for time.
- If desired, substitute clear vanilla flavoring with pure vanilla extract, though it may slightly alter the pudding’s color.
Keywords: banana pudding, Magnolia Bakery, instant pudding, Nilla Wafers, creamy dessert, layered dessert, whipped cream, no-bake dessert