The Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

There’s something so heartwarming about a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, and this Magnolia Bakery-inspired banana pudding does just that. Trust me, when you dig your spoon into this creamy, dreamy goodness, you’ll feel like you’ve found your happy place. It’s the perfect balance of velvety vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and sweet vanilla wafers—a true classic that brings a smile to everyone’s face. This recipe is all about the joy of homemade dessert, where every bite is filled with nostalgia and a touch of indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

This dessert isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s about creating those moments that make life a little sweeter. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this banana pudding:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive get-together, this pudding is the star of any occasion. Picture serving this at a potluck and hearing the chorus of “This is amazing!” as your friends and family dive in for seconds.
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for a showstopper dessert! With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, this pudding proves that the best things in life are often the simplest.
• Quick and Easy: Don’t worry if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with just a few steps that will have you feeling like a dessert pro. There’s no need to stress—just follow along and watch the magic unfold.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, and dessert lovers alike will go crazy for this banana pudding. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that works every time, no matter the age group. Everyone will want the recipe, trust me!

Ingredients in Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece. Don’t worry, no fancy ingredients required—just simple pantry staples that come together to make a dreamy dessert:

• Ripe Bananas: These are the sweet stars of the show. Soft, golden bananas create that perfect balance of sweetness and texture in the pudding.
• Vanilla Wafers: The crispy layers of vanilla wafers soak up the creamy pudding and add a satisfying crunch that takes each bite to a new level of deliciousness.
• Milk: Whole milk is what makes this pudding rich and creamy. It’s the base of that velvety smooth texture you’ll love.
• Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bananas and vanilla, making this pudding a decadent treat without being overwhelmingly sugary.
• Egg Yolks: These are the secret to making the pudding extra smooth and rich. They bring that homemade, comforting texture that store-bought pudding just can’t match.
• Vanilla Extract: The key ingredient that adds that beautiful, aromatic vanilla flavor to the pudding.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the pudding to perfection, giving it that glorious, custard-like consistency.
• Butter: A little butter makes everything better. It adds a touch of richness and rounds out the flavor of the pudding.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions for Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

Ready to dive in and make some magic? Let’s get started with this easy-to-follow process that will have you enjoying a bowl of this iconic dessert in no time!

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Add the milk and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. Keep an eye on it as the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy pudding. Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 2: Add the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour in about half of the hot milk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Then, gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens up nicely.

Step 3: Flavor the Pudding

Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens—the butter makes it extra silky, and the vanilla adds that warm, inviting flavor. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness if needed!

Step 4: Layer the Pudding

In a large dish (a 9×13-inch pan works great), begin layering the dessert. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Then, add a layer of sliced bananas. Pour a generous amount of the warm pudding over the bananas and wafers, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Keep layering until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of pudding on top. You want those vanilla wafers to be fully soaked and soft, so don’t skip this step!

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This step is crucial because it lets all the flavors meld together, creating the perfect texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once chilled, scoop yourself a generous portion and dig in! You can garnish with a few extra vanilla wafers on top or even some fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Serve Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

This banana pudding is perfect on its own, but if you want to elevate your dessert game, here are some serving ideas:

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and fluffy contrast to the rich pudding.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries can bring a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
• Coffee or Iced Tea: Pair this dessert with a cup of strong coffee or iced tea for the ultimate indulgence.
• As a Standalone: Sometimes, you don’t need anything else. This banana pudding is perfect as a standalone dessert. Just grab your spoon and dive in!

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: This dessert can be made the day before, making it a great option for gatherings or busy days when you need something that’s ready to go.
• Use Ripe Bananas: The sweeter and riper the bananas, the better your pudding will taste. They’ll add natural sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Customize It: Want to make it a little more fun? Try adding a few layers of crushed cookies or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for some extra flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the egg yolks with something else?
A1: Yes! If you prefer, you can use a cornstarch-based thickening agent instead of egg yolks to make this recipe egg-free.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The pudding will continue to set and develop flavor.

Q3: Can I freeze this dessert?
A3: Banana pudding doesn’t freeze well because the bananas can turn mushy and the texture may change. Best to enjoy it fresh!

Q4: How do I make the pudding even richer?
A4: For an extra indulgent pudding, you can swap out some of the milk for heavy cream!

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! If you’re serving a crowd, just double the ingredients and use a larger dish.

Conclusion

So there you have it—Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding, made from scratch and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing your guests at a gathering, this dessert is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and nostalgic goodness. It’s an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked—and you might just find yourself making it for every occasion! So go ahead, make this recipe, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy. You’ve got this—let the pudding magic happen!

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