Description
This Copycat Magnolia Banana Pudding recipe replicates the beloved classic dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers. With a luscious mixture of sweetened condensed milk, instant pudding, and freshly whipped cream, it delivers a rich and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup very cold water
- 1 cup very cold milk
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
Assembly
- 12 ounces vanilla wafers (reserve 5 to 6 wafers and crumbs from box)
- 5 barely ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare pudding mixture: Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, combine sweetened condensed milk, very cold water, and very cold milk. Mix on low to medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until well blended.
- Add instant pudding mix: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the liquid mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the mixture just starts to thicken.
- Chill pudding: Cover the pudding mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to completely set and thicken.
- Whip cream: In a separate bowl, combine heavy whipping cream and clear vanilla flavoring. Beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully combined and uniform in color, with no visible streaks.
- Layer dessert: In a large serving bowl or compote dish, arrange ⅓ of the vanilla wafers (about 30 wafers) to cover the bottom.
- Add banana slices: Evenly layer 1½ cups of sliced bananas over the wafer layer.
- Add pudding layer: Spoon ⅓ of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering twice more with vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding to form three layers total.
- Top with crushed wafers: Crush the reserved 5 to 6 vanilla wafers and sprinkle them along with any leftover crumbs on the top layer for garnish.
- Chill before serving: Cover the assembled banana pudding and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use barely ripe bananas to avoid overly sweet or mushy texture.
- For best results, prepare pudding mixture a day ahead to ensure it is fully set.
- If desired, substitute clear vanilla flavoring with pure vanilla extract but it may affect color slightly.
- Layer gently to keep wafers intact and maintain distinct layers.
- Serve chilled to enjoy the creamy, refreshing texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American Southern
Keywords: banana pudding, Magnolia banana pudding, vanilla pudding, banana dessert, layered dessert, southern dessert, no bake dessert
