Go Back
World-Famous Banana Pudding
Laura

World-Famous Banana Pudding

Thick and creamy homemade banana pudding layered with Nilla wafers and fresh bananas. The original Magnolia-style dessert you can make at home.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
  • 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix Jell-O brand recommended
  • 3 cups cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 12 oz box Nilla Wafers
  • 4 to 5 ripe bananas sliced

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with whisk attachment
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Trifle bowl or 4-5 quart glass bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, add instant vanilla pudding mix and slowly whisk in the milk mixture. Whisk until no lumps remain and mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
  3. In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, whip cold heavy cream on medium speed for 1 minute until it begins to thicken. Increase to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form. Do not over whip.
  4. Gently fold the chilled pudding into the whipped cream on low speed until fully blended with no streaks remaining.
  5. To assemble, spread one-quarter of the pudding in the bottom of a trifle bowl or 4-5 quart glass bowl. Layer with one-third of the Nilla Wafers and one-third of the sliced bananas.
  6. Repeat layering twice more, ending with a final layer of pudding on top. Garnish with additional wafers if desired.
  7. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours before serving. Wafers should be tender when poked with a knife. Best served within 12 hours of assembling.

Notes

  • Use barely ripe bananas to prevent browning
  • Keep cream and water very cold for best texture
  • Do not skip the chilling time for the pudding mixture
  • Fold gently to maintain light, airy texture