Description
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is a classic creamy dessert that features layers of smooth vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers, all topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream. This no-bake recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a family treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pudding:
- 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 just barely ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mix: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, very cold milk, and very cold water. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until well mixed.
- Add Instant Pudding: Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the milk mixture and whisk until fully combined and smooth. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the clear vanilla flavoring until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
- Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream: Gently fold about half of the whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture to lighten it. Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream to achieve a smooth and airy consistency.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding: In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, start with a layer of Nilla Wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Spoon a layer of the pudding and whipped cream mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Reserve a few Nilla Wafers and wafer crumbs to sprinkle on top of the final whipped cream layer for texture and decoration. Cover the dish and refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the banana pudding cold with extra Nilla Wafers on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Use very cold milk and water to ensure the pudding sets properly.
- Choose bananas that are just barely ripe for the best texture and sweetness without being mushy.
- For best results, chill the whipped cream bowl and beaters before whipping to achieve stiff peaks faster.
- You can prepare this dessert a day ahead to enhance the flavor and texture as the wafers absorb the pudding moisture.
- If you prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract along with the clear vanilla flavoring.
Keywords: Magnolia Bakery banana pudding, banana pudding recipe, no-bake dessert, creamy banana pudding, Nilla Wafers dessert