Copycat Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (Easy No-Bake Dessert)
If you’ve ever tasted the famous banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, you know exactly why people love it so much. This dessert is light, creamy, and layered with fluffy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and soft vanilla wafers that melt in your mouth.
The best part? You don’t need to travel anywhere to enjoy it. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you can make this iconic dessert right at home.
This pudding is perfect for parties, family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you want a quick but impressive dessert. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a favorite for so many people.
Ingredients
• 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups ice-cold water
• 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream (35%)
• 4–6 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 boxes vanilla wafers (about 24 oz / 680 g total)
Equipment
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 8×12 inch casserole dish (or similar size)
• Plastic wrap
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until well combined.
Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream.
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. The cream should be thick, fluffy, and hold its shape.
Step 3: Combine the Mixture
Remove the chilled pudding mixture from the refrigerator.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a spatula.
Mix slowly until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no white streaks remaining.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom of an 8×12-inch dish.
Add a layer of vanilla wafers.
Place a layer of banana slices over the wafers.
Spread another layer of the pudding cream over the bananas.
Repeat the layers again: wafers → bananas → cream.
Finish with a generous final layer of pudding cream on top.
Step 5: Chill the Dessert
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.
Let the pudding chill for 7–12 hours. This step is very important because it allows the wafers to soften and absorb the creamy pudding.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top the pudding with:
• Fresh banana slices
• Crushed vanilla wafers
Scoop into bowls and enjoy this creamy, dreamy dessert.
Storage Tips
• Best enjoyed within 24 hours
• Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours
• The bananas inside the pudding stay fresh longer because they are covered in cream
• Bananas on top may brown faster, so add them right before serving
Helpful Tips
✔ Use slightly firm bananas so they don’t become mushy.
✔ Do not skip the chilling time—this is what gives the dessert its signature soft texture.
✔ For the best flavor, prepare the pudding mixture a day in advance
