The Best Banana Pudding - Copycat Magnolia Bakery

People never forget my recipe for banana pudding. Every time I see someone, they ask if I'm bringing the banana pudding again because it's my most popular dessert. People ask me all the time when I sell at farmers markets or pop-ups, "Is this your banana pudding?" and they're usually already getting another cup. People keep going back for more because it's the kind of treat that stays with them long after they've had their last mouthful, which is why it consistently ranks as my best-selling dessert.

Many say that it tastes just like the well-known banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, which tourists travel to New York City to sample. That idea inspired me to build this simple, at-home copycat version using basic ingredients. It is the kind of dessert that people keep asking for because it is creamy, light, delightfully sweet, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding

Inspired by the famous Magnolia Bakery banana pudding
Light, creamy, and not too sweet
Made with essential, easy-to-find ingredients
Suitable for family get-togethers, potlucks, and celebrations
A proven favorite and best-selling item at pop-ups and markets

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Instructions
FAQs

Ingredients for Banana Pudding

Nilla Wafers
Heavy whipping cream
Vanilla pudding mix
Sweetened condensed milk
Cold water
Sliced bananas

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the instant pudding, cold water, and condensed milk, then chill.

Step 2: Whip heavy cream and fold into the pudding.

Step 3: Layer with sliced bananas and Nilla wafers.

Step 4: Decorate the top and serve!

FAQs

1. Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?

Yes! Banana pudding is best when made ahead. Chilling overnight allows the flavors to fully develop.

2. How long does banana pudding last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 2–3 days in the refrigerator.

3. Is this really like Magnolia Bakery banana pudding?

This recipe is inspired by Magnolia Bakery’s famous version and is very close in taste and texture creamy, light, and comforting.

Print Recipe

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The Best Banana Pudding - Copycat Magnolia Bakery

This creamy, dreamy banana pudding is my most requested recipe and a crowd favorite at farmers markets and pop-ups. Inspired by the famous Magnolia Bakery, it’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients and always a best-seller!

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2–4 hours (including chilling time)

Yields: 8–10 servings

1 box of nilla wafers
3 cups of heavy whipping cream
1 5oz pack of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
4-5 bananas sliced
1 1/2 cups cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding
In a bowl, pour the instant vanilla pudding (make sure it’s the instant version, not cook-and-serve). Add cold water and a whole can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture thickens. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2–4 hours until set.

2. Whip and Fold the Cream
Whip 3 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until smooth with no white streaks remaining.

3. Slice and Layer
Slice the bananas thinly. To assemble, start with a layer of pudding cream at the bottom, then a layer of bananas, followed by Nilla wafers, and more pudding cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Get creative with the top and decorate as you like.

4. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 3–6 hours before serving. Slice, scoop, and enjoy this creamy, crowd-pleasing banana pudding!