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Magnolia Bakery's Famous Banana Pudding

A delightful dessert featuring layers of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time4 hours
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana pudding, classic dessert, easy recipe, homemade pudding, Magnolia Bakery
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the pudding base

  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk Adds sweetness and richness.
  • 1.5 cups ice-cold water Helps create a smooth pudding.
  • 1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix Jell-O brand is recommended.

For the whipped cream

  • 3 cups heavy cream Ensures a light and fluffy texture.

For layering

  • 1 11 oz box vanilla wafers Nabisco Nilla Wafers are preferred.
  • 5 pieces ripe bananas, sliced Adds sweetness to the dessert.

Instructions

Preparation of the pudding

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until combined.
  • Gradually add the instant vanilla pudding mix and beat until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least four hours to allow it to set.

Making the whipped cream

  • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

Assembling the layers

  • Once the pudding base has chilled, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until combined.
  • In a large serving bowl, start layering with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and then a layer of the creamy pudding mixture.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.

Chilling and serving

  • Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least four hours, preferably overnight.
  • Before serving, top with additional banana slices and vanilla wafers.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the heavy cream before whipping. Making the banana pudding a day ahead enhances flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled wafers or toasted coconut for garnish.