Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe

Every trip to New York City for me includes two musts: a stroll through Central Park and a cup of Magnolia Bakery’s legendary banana pudding.

There’s something about that creamy, dreamy dessert that captures the heart and taste buds like nothing else.

If you’ve been lucky enough to experience it, you know what I mean.

And if you haven’t, don’t worry—you don’t have to book a flight to NYC to indulge.

Magnolia Bakery generously shares their recipe, so you can recreate this iconic treat at home. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

As soon as their Cookbook, The Magnolia Bakery, came out I immediately preordered it. If you are looking for a cookbook full of delicious bakery worthy desserts, this is the book for you.

See Also: The Best Key Lime Pie Recipe

Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients for Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1½ cups ice-cold water
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups heavy cream
1 (12 oz) box Nilla Wafers
4 cups sliced ripe bananas (about 4–5 bananas)

Instructions for Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Prepare the pudding base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water. Add the pudding mix and beat with a whisk or hand mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and thickened. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Whip the cream:
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (be careful not to over whip).
Combine the pudding and cream:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding base, being careful not to deflate the mixture. This creates the signature fluffy texture.
Assemble the layers:
In a large trifle dish, a 9×13-inch pan, or individual cups, layer the pudding mixture, Nilla Wafers, and banana slices. Start and end with the pudding for the best presentation.
Chill and serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours before serving to allow the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Tips for Success for Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Use ripe bananas: Look for bananas with brown speckles for the best sweetness and flavor.
Don’t over-layer: Keep the layers even to ensure the perfect balance in every bite.
Make it fresh: While you can make the pudding base ahead, assemble the layers the day you plan to serve it to keep the bananas fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Trifle: Serve in a large glass bowl for an impressive centerpiece.
Individual Cups: Perfect for parties or picnics—guests will love having their own portions.
Toppings Galore: Add a sprinkle of crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special touch.

Delicious Variations

Strawberry Banana Pudding:
Swap out some bananas for fresh strawberries, adding a pop of color and tangy sweetness.
Chocolate Banana Pudding:
Substitute half of the pudding mix with chocolate pudding, and sprinkle chocolate shavings between the layers.
Peanut Butter Bliss:
Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to the pudding mixture for a rich, nutty twist.
Tropical Coconut:
Add shredded coconut to the layers and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical vibe.