Description

Magnolia Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy Nilla wafers. This no-bake treat combines sweetened condensed milk and instant vanilla pudding for a smooth, rich filling, folded into whipped cream for extra lightness. Chilled to perfection, it’s an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups heavy cream
1 (12 oz) box Nilla wafers
4 ripe bananas, sliced

Optional for Whipped Cream

1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream along with sugar and vanilla extract if using, until soft peaks form for a light and fluffy texture.
Combine pudding and whipped cream: Once the pudding mixture has set, gently fold it into the whipped cream mixture to create a smooth and creamy filling, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Layer the dessert: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, begin layering by placing a layer of Nilla wafers at the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, then a generous layer of the pudding mixture.
Repeat layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of the creamy pudding mixture on top.
Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly before serving.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming mushy in the pudding.
You can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream for a slightly lighter texture, but heavy cream provides the best richness.
The sugar and vanilla extract in the whipped cream are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your sweetness preference.
Assemble the pudding just before chilling to avoid sogginess of the wafers.
This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days but is best enjoyed fresh.