Description
Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding is a classic, creamy dessert loved by many. It features layers of rich vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped cream, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all chilled to perfection for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Pudding
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups ice-cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy cream
Assembly
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers (Nabisco Nilla Wafers recommended)
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Make the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth to create the base mixture.
- Add Pudding Mix: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the milk and water mixture. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens and becomes smooth.
- Set Aside: Let the pudding mixture rest to firm up slightly while preparing the whipped cream and other ingredients.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form, which should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture, combining thoroughly but carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Assemble the Layers: In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers evenly spread at the bottom.
- Add Bananas: Place a layer of sliced ripe bananas over the vanilla wafers, ensuring coverage.
- Add Pudding Layer: Spoon about one-third of the pudding and whipped cream mixture evenly on top of the bananas and wafers.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture, finishing off with a final pudding layer on top.
- Chill: Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with extra vanilla wafers on top or sprinkle lightly crushed wafers for added texture and crunch.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid sogginess.
- Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set perfectly.
- Use freshly whipped cream for the lightest texture; canned whipped topping is not recommended.
- You can substitute vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies if needed.
- For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
