Copycat Magnolia Banana Pudding Recipe

Introduction

This Copycat Magnolia Banana Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Layers of smooth vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers come together to create a classic Southern treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.

Ingredients

• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup very cold water
• 1 cup very cold milk
• 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
• 12 ounces vanilla wafers (reserve 5 to 6 wafers and crumbs from the box)
• 5 barely ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and cold milk. Using a handheld or stand mixer, mix on low to medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
2. Step 2: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to fully set.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and vanilla flavoring. Beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled, set pudding until the mixture is uniform in color with no streaks.
6. Step 6: Choose a large serving bowl or compote dish. Line the bottom with one-third of the vanilla wafers (about 30 wafers).
7. Step 7: Layer 1½ cups of sliced bananas evenly over the wafers.
8. Step 8: Spread one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
9. Step 9: Repeat the layering process twice more to create three layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding.
10. Step 10: Crush the reserved 5 to 6 vanilla wafers and sprinkle them, along with any leftover crumbs from the box, over the top of the pudding.
11. Step 11: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use barely ripe bananas for the best texture and sweetness without them turning mushy too quickly.
• For a twist, add a layer of fresh berries or substitute some bananas with sliced strawberries.
• To make it ahead, assemble the pudding a day in advance to let the flavors deepen, but add the crushed wafers just before serving to keep the topping crisp.

Storage

Store the banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh bananas, it’s best enjoyed within this time. When reheating, serve chilled; this dessert should not be warmed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant?

Yes, you can substitute homemade pudding, but the texture may differ slightly. Instant pudding helps the dessert set firmly and quickly, which is ideal for this layered dish.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

Choose barely ripe bananas and slice them just before layering. You can also lightly brush the slices with lemon juice to slow browning if preparing in advance.

Copycat Magnolia Banana Pudding Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Copycat Magnolia Banana Pudding recipe replicates the classic southern dessert with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers. The pudding is made from instant vanilla pudding mix combined with sweetened condensed milk and milk, then folded with freshly whipped cream for a smooth, rich texture. This no-bake dessert is chilled for hours to set perfectly and is assembled in layers for a deliciously nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Layers

• 12 ounces vanilla wafers (reserve 5 to 6 wafers and crumbs from box)
• 5 barely ripe bananas, sliced

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Instructions

1. Combine Base Liquids: Using a handheld or stand mixer, mix the sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and cold milk on low-medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined.
2. Add Pudding Mix: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the liquid mixture and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken.
3. Refrigerate Mixture: Cover the pudding mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set and develop the proper texture.
4. Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, combine heavy whipping cream and clear vanilla flavoring, then beat until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is fully whipped.
5. Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture using a spatula, mixing carefully until the mixture is uniform in color with no visible streaks.
6. Assemble Layers: In a large serving bowl or compote dish, layer one-third of the vanilla wafers on the bottom (around 30 wafers).
7. Add Bananas: Evenly spread 1½ cups of the sliced bananas on top of the vanilla wafers.
8. Add Pudding: Spoon one-third of the pudding mixture over the banana layer.
9. Repeat Layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding two more times, for a total of three layers.
10. Finish Topping: Crush the reserved 5 to 6 vanilla wafers and sprinkle on top of the final pudding layer. Add any leftover crumbs for extra texture.
11. Chill Before Serving: Cover the assembled banana pudding and refrigerate until ready to serve to ensure it is fully set and chilled.

Notes

• Use barely ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture; overly ripe bananas can become mushy.
• Make sure all milk liquids are very cold to help the pudding set properly and improve its texture.
• Folding the whipped cream gently into the pudding ensures a light and fluffy texture without deflating the cream.
• You can prepare this pudding a day ahead; it tastes better after chilling overnight.
• Reserve some wafers to crush for garnishing the top for an appealing presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: banana pudding, magnolia banana pudding, copycat recipe, southern dessert, no-bake dessert, vanilla pudding, easy banana pudding