If you’ve ever snagged a banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, you know it’s pure magic in a dessert. This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe nails that creamy, dreamy texture and that nostalgic flavor that makes it such a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create something absolutely indulgent yet approachable.

This recipe shines at family gatherings, potlucks, or just when you crave a comforting sweet treat that doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s one of those desserts where you can taste the love – from the layer of velvety pudding to the crisp Nilla wafers and ripe bananas nestled inside. If you want to impress friends or simply enjoy a slice of Southern charm, this Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe is your go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in the balance between rich, creamy elements and those light, crispy wafers. Each ingredient plays a special role, so I recommend shopping for the freshest bananas and the best quality dairy you can find — it really elevates the final pudding.

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and luscious creaminess without extra fuss.
Very cold milk: Helps set the instant vanilla pudding for that perfect pudding texture.
Very cold water: Keeps things light and balances consistency.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: The key to that signature silky pudding flavor you’re aiming for.
Nilla Wafers: Malted vanilla wafers give that wonderful contrast of crunch and flavor; save a few wafers and crumbs for topping.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into soft peaks, it adds airiness and richness.
Clear vanilla flavoring: Boosts the vanilla notes without darkening the pudding’s color.
Bananas (just barely ripe): Sweet but still firm for that perfect slice and fresh flavor.

Variations

I like to tweak this Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe depending on the season or my mood. It’s so easy to personalize — you can make it your own with a few simple swaps or additions that still keep that classic vibe.

Variation: Adding a splash of bourbon or rum in the pudding makes it perfect for adult gatherings — just be sure to let it set well!
Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a non-dairy milk for a luscious alternative that still tastes amazing.
Berry Boost: Mix fresh raspberries or strawberries with the bananas for a fruity twist I’ve enjoyed on sunny days.
Chocolate Layers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers or add a drizzle of hot fudge for a fun dessert variation that has never failed to impress my friends.

How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the pudding base

Start by mixing your sweetened condensed milk, very cold milk, and very cold water in a large bowl. Whisk those together until combined, then sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix. The trick here is to whisk gently but thoroughly so the pudding thickens evenly without lumps — you’ll notice it start to firm up in about 5 minutes. Definitely have patience; this sets the stage for that perfect creamy texture.

Step 2: Whip the cream to soft peaks

While the pudding sets, grab a cold mixing bowl and whip your heavy cream with the clear vanilla flavoring until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip — you want it fluffy but still smooth. I like using chilled beaters and a cold bowl because it helps the cream whip faster and gives that light, stable texture that folds nicely into the pudding.

Step 3: Fold the cream into the pudding

Once the pudding thickens, gently fold in the whipped cream in two parts. Folding (not stirring) keeps the mixture airy and light. This step is where magic happens — you’ll see how that creamy, cloud-like pudding takes shape here. Trust me, it feels so rewarding watching this come together.

Step 4: Layer your pudding masterpiece

In a glass or ceramic dish, start by spreading a layer of pudding on the bottom. Then add sliced bananas evenly across, follow with a layer of Nilla wafers, and repeat until the dish is full, ending with pudding on top. Save some of your wafers and wafer crumbs to sprinkle on top for that authentic bakery look. This layering is what gives the texture contrast and wow factor — take your time to arrange them nicely!

Step 5: Chill and let flavors marry

Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best if you can wait. This resting time lets the bananas soften just enough and the wafers become tender yet still hold a slight bite. It’s definitely worth the wait — your patience will be rewarded with that classic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe texture and deliciousness.

How to Serve Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

A clear glass trifle bowl shows a dessert with four thick layers of creamy white filling, each separated by a layer of light brown biscuits and thin curved banana slices. The top layer is a thick spread of the creamy filling, decorated with round banana slices and light brown crumbs sprinkled over it. The dessert sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping the pudding with extra Nilla wafer crumbs for a little crunchy contrast right before serving. Sometimes, I’ll add a few thin banana slices on top or even a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm note. Fresh mint leaves also make a pretty garnish and add a subtle fresh aroma that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This banana pudding pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh berries or a lightly toasted almond salad for a refreshing balance. When I’ve served this at brunches, a cup of good strong coffee or a lightly brewed tea complements the creamy sweetness perfectly. You could also pair it with crispy fried chicken for that Southern comfort food combo that never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this pudding in individual mason jars, layered beautifully with bananas and wafers visible through the glass. It makes the dessert feel personalized and festive. Another fun idea is to turn it into parfait-style servings with whipped cream rosettes on top and a wafer sticking out like a little edible spoon—you get bonus points for presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover banana pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors actually meld and improve after a day, so it’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying later — just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture if needed.

Freezing

Freezing banana pudding can be tricky because of the texture of the bananas and whipped cream, but if you’re careful, it’s doable. I recommend freezing it without bananas layered inside and adding fresh slices after thawing. Freeze in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge overnight to minimize texture changes. The pudding maintains flavor, but wafers might lose their crunch once frozen.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t typically necessary or recommended. If you do want a warmer treat, try spooning a serving into a bowl and warming gently in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds—but beware that it can change the texture and melt the whipped cream. Cold is definitely the way to go for that iconic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe experience.

FAQs

Can I make the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pudding is actually better when allowed to chill for several hours or overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and the wafers soften to just the right consistency without getting soggy. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing other aromas.
What kind of bananas are best for this recipe?

I recommend using bananas that are just barely ripe — they should be yellow with maybe a few brown spots. Overripe bananas will get mushy and affect the texture negatively, while underripe ones can be too firm and not as flavorful. This balance keeps the layers intact and tasty.
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant vanilla pudding?

You can, but using instant vanilla pudding mix is key to the classic silky texture of the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe. Homemade pudding might be delicious but often results in a softer, less stable custard. If you do make homemade pudding, try to chill it thoroughly before folding in whipped cream to help maintain structure.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

To keep your banana slices looking fresh, you can toss them lightly in lemon juice before layering. This slows oxidation and helps maintain a vibrant color. Also, assembling the pudding just before chilling and eating sooner rather than later helps keep it looking appetizing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use coconut condensed milk alternatives or other sweetened plant-based condensed milks, choose a vegan vanilla pudding mix if available, and swap heavy cream for chilled coconut cream. The texture will be different but still delightful and creamy in a plant-based way.

Final Thoughts

This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s one of those desserts I turn to when I want comfort food that feels like a big warm hug. It’s approachable, reliably delicious, and truly nails the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s definitely a recipe to keep in your kitchen repertoire for any time you want a little slice of bakery magic at home.

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding recipe is a classic, creamy dessert featuring layers of instant vanilla pudding, sweet whipped cream, sliced ripe bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers. It’s a refreshing no-bake treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting homemade dessert.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pudding Base

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

For the Whipped Cream

3 cups heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring

Other Ingredients

1 11–12 oz box of Nilla Wafers (reserve 5–6 wafers and crumbs from box)
5 just barely ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions

Make the Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, very cold milk, and very cold water until well combined. Gradually add the instant vanilla pudding mix while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture set for 5 minutes until it thickens.
Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the clear vanilla flavoring until stiff peaks form. This will add lightness and creaminess to the dessert.
Fold Whipped Cream into Pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mixture, ensuring the mixture is smooth and airy without deflating the whipped cream.
Assemble the Banana Pudding: In a large glass trifle bowl or serving dish, start with a layer of Nilla Wafers and their crumbs to add crunch. Place a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, then spoon over a generous layer of the pudding and cream mixture. Repeat the layering process—wafers, bananas, pudding—until all components are used, finishing with a top layer of pudding mixture.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the pudding and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly while still retaining some texture.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, crumble the reserved Nilla Wafers over the top for extra texture and decoration. Serve chilled and enjoy this classic Southern dessert.

Notes

Use very cold milk and water to help the pudding set properly and achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Bananas should be just barely ripe to avoid overly mushy texture in the pudding.
For a more intense vanilla flavor, add a touch more vanilla extract if desired.
This pudding is best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for convenience and enhanced flavor melding.

Keywords: banana pudding, magnolia bakery, no-bake dessert, vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, whipped cream, classic dessert, southern dessert