Description
Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is a creamy, luscious dessert featuring layers of smooth vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. This no-bake, chilled dessert is perfect for gatherings and offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that have made it a beloved classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Pudding Base
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies (Nilla Wafers)
Instructions
- Make the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until fully combined to create a smooth mixture.
- Add Pudding Mix: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the bowl and whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow it to set.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy cream along with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy whipped cream.
- Combine Cream and Pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Layer the Dessert: In a trifle dish or large bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom as the base layer.
- Add Banana Layer: Place a layer of sliced bananas evenly over the vanilla wafers.
- Spread Pudding Mixture: Spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture on top of the bananas to add creaminess.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering of wafers, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used, finishing the top layer with pudding.
- Chill: Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with additional vanilla wafers or banana slices, if desired, for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness.
- Chilling the bowl for whipping cream helps achieve better peak formation.
- You can prepare the pudding up to a day in advance for convenience.
- Use vanilla wafers or any similar crispy cookies for texture contrast.
- If desired, adjust the sweetness by using less sweetened condensed milk or a sugar-free pudding mix for a lighter version.
