Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe

This Magnolia Bakery banana pudding recipe is a creamy, no-bake dessert made with layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and soft vanilla wafers. It’s light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, with a texture that gets even better as it chills. If you’re looking for the best banana pudding recipe with condensed milk, this easy copycat version delivers that classic bakery flavor at home.

Every single time we visit New York City, we go straight to Magnolia Bakery for their famous banana pudding.

My brother, Jeff, lived right in the heart of New York City for years. We loved to go out and visit them in New York City and one of the number one priorities was to try out as much food as possible. They would show us all of the best places to eat in New York City! That’s how I fell in love with Levain Bakery and their chocolate chip cookies. 

After trying Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding, I wanted to make it at home in Arizona. Thankfully, Magnolia Bakery has shared its coveted recipe, and it is easier than you can even imagine! Now you can make it in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the price!

What ingredients are in Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding Recipe?

There are only 6 ingredients in this easy banana pudding recipe! 

1. Sweetened Condensed Milk — adds sweetness and richness
2. Instant Vanilla Pudding — thickens the pudding and makes it creamy
3. Ice Cold Water — helps activate the pudding mix
4. Heavy Cream — makes it light, airy, and fluffy
5. Fresh Bananas — use firm bananas
6. Nilla Wafers — adds texture and structure and softens over time

I suggest using JELLO Brand Vanilla Pudding and Nabisco Nilla Wafers. I have tried many generic brands of Nilla Wafers, and they just crumble and fall apart. 

If you want to make some Nilla Wafer crumbs to sprinkle on the top of the banana pudding, simply place 6-8 Nilla Wafers in a food processor with two Tablespoons of butter and grind it up. Sprinkle on the top as a garnish.

How to make Banana Pudding:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and water until combined. Then add the JELLO Vanilla Instant Pudding and mix until completely smooth, which should take about two minutes. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least one hour.
2. In a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Add the chilled pudding mixture, a scoop at a time, until it is combined.
4. To assemble, use a trifle bowl or wide glass bowl, or individual glass serving bowls or glasses. I will suggest some items below.
5. Spread the pudding mixture on the bottom of the dish and then follow with a layer of cookies, and a layer of sliced bananas, and repeat. Garnish with more fresh whipped cream pudding mixture and Nilla Wafer crumble.
6. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Cookies should be tender and soft. 

How long should I refrigerate banana pudding?

For the best texture and flavor, banana pudding needs time to chill before serving. While it can be refrigerated for as little as 2 hours, it’s best to let it sit for 4 to 8 hours or overnight. This allows the pudding to fully set, the flavors to meld together, and the vanilla wafers to soften into that signature cake-like texture. I suggest about 4-6 hours so the bananas don’t brown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

Can I make Magnolia banana pudding ahead of time?

Yes, it is actually better made a few hours ahead. Chill for at least 2-4 hours to allow the Nilla wafers to soften.

How long does banana pudding last?

It can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Best within 24 hours for the freshest bananas.

Can I freeze homemade banana pudding?

It is not recommended. The texture becomes watery and the bananas break down.

Why is my banana pudding with sweetened condensed milk runny?

There could be several reasons the banana pudding is runny — not chilled long enough, heavy cream not whipped enough, or overmixing the pudding and whipped cream. I suggest just folding the ingredients together.

What bananas are best?

The best bananas to use are yellow with a few spots but not overly soft. I like to use firm bananas.

Here are some baking tools for making Banana Pudding:

• Glass Trifle Bowl
• Glass Trifle Mini Dishes
• Kitchenaid Mixer

Popular BANANA RECIPES:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Moist Banana Bread

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Chocolate Nutella Frosting

This no bake banana pudding comes together quickly and relies on time in the refrigerator to develop its texture. As it chills, the flavors blend together and the cookies soften, creating the signature consistency that makes Magnolia Bakery banana pudding so popular.