Description
Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert featuring layers of smooth vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers. This no-bake recipe combines instant pudding mix with sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream for a rich texture, making it a beloved Southern classic perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 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 cream
Fruit and Layers
- 4 cups sliced barely ripe bananas
- 1 (12 oz.) box Nilla Wafers
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and ice cold water until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and continue to beat for about 2 minutes until fully mixed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pudding mixture for 3-4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly. This step is crucial to achieve the right creamy consistency without being watery.
- Whip Cream: In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Then gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully incorporated and smooth, with no streaks remaining.
- Prepare Serving Dish: Choose to assemble the pudding in individual serving dishes or a large glass bowl (4-5 quart capacity) or a 9×13 baking dish, depending on preference.
- Assemble Layers: Begin by arranging one-third of the Nilla Wafers to cover the bottom of the dish, overlapping as necessary. Then add one-third of the sliced bananas evenly over the wafers, followed by one-third of the pudding mixture layered on top. Repeat this layering process two more times to create three layers total, finishing with a top layer of wafers or wafer crumbs for garnish.
- Chill Dessert: Cover the assembled pudding tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours. Chilling allows flavors to meld and pudding to firm up. Avoid leaving longer than 8 hours as bananas will begin to brown; refer to notes for tips to minimize browning.
Notes
- Use barely ripe bananas for best flavor and texture; overly ripe bananas can be too mushy and sweet.
- To prevent bananas from browning quickly, gently toss them in a small amount of lemon juice before layering.
- This dessert is best enjoyed within 8 hours of assembly to preserve freshness and appearance.
- You can make this pudding in individual parfait glasses for a pretty presentation and easy serving option.
