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–+ servings
Merry

Classic Banana Pudding is a must-try dessert recipe!

This Homemade Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a dreamy, creamy, and utterly irresistible dessert! Layers of rich vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla wafers come together to create the perfect no-bake treat. It's light, fluffy, and tastes just like the famous version from Magnolia Bakery in NYC. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a sweet indulgence!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pudding Mixture:
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ½ cups ice-cold water
  • 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembling the Pudding:
  • 4-5 ripe bananas sliced
  • 1 11 oz box Nilla wafers

Method
 

Prepare the Vanilla Pudding:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until fully combined.
  2. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until thickened.
Make the Whipped Cream:
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream:
  1. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled vanilla pudding mixture until smooth and fluffy.
  2.  
Assemble the Banana Pudding:
  1.  
  2. In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, layer Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture.
  3. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld.
  5.  
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Before serving, garnish with crushed Nilla wafers and banana slices. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Tip: The pudding tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
  • Banana Browning: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Storage: Best eaten within 2 days, as the bananas will soften over time.
  • Whipped Cream Alternative: You can use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream for convenience.

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