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Copycat Magnolia Banana Pudding Recipe


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

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.


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

Layers

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

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