Magnolia Banana Pudding Parfaits (Copycat Recipe)

Magnolia Banana Pudding Parfaits

These delicious parfaits start with a banana pudding base. Then, I add whipped cream to create an ultra-rich and creamy version of banana pudding. After that, I add layers of mini Nilla wafers, banana slices, and that delicious pudding in glasses to create mini banana pudding in a glass that guests can enjoy. It takes very little effort, and the most time involved is simply waiting for the pudding to set. Oh, and it is ridiculously delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Parfaits

• They have all the classic banana pudding ingredients and are made into individual servings.
• They are made into parfaits loaded with mini Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, vanilla pudding, and topped with whipped cream.
• They’re the absolute best banana pudding recipe and get rave reviews whenever they are served.

Magnolia Banana Pudding Parfait Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these parfaits, and they’re all staples that are readily available at your local grocery store.

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Ice cold water
• Jello® instant vanilla pudding mix
• Heavy whipping cream
• Mini Nilla wafers
• Ripe bananas

How to Make Magnolia Banana Pudding Parfaits

This recipe is so incredibly easy. In fact, the most time-intensive part of it is simply waiting for the pudding to set!

Step 1: Make the Pudding

In a large bowl, beat condensed milk and water with an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until combined. Then, add the instant pudding mix and beat until smooth. Cover the pudding mixture and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours until firm or even overnight.

Step 2: Add the Whipped Cream

When the pudding is firm, beat the whipped cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Then, mix the pudding a little at a time gently into the whipped cream. until no streaks of pudding remain.

Step 3: Make the Parfaits

Add a few mini Nilla wafers to the parfait glasses followed by a layer of banana slices. Then, top with a little banana pudding. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and place in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours. Garnish with whipped cream, crushed, Nilla wafers, and a banana slice.

Recipe Tips

• For the absolute best texture, chill your banana pudding overnight before mixing it with the whipped cream.
• Be gentle when folding your banana pudding into the whipped cream. You don’t want to deflate the whipped cream and lose that airy texture.
• Chill your banana pudding parfaits for at least 4 to 8 hours. Overnight is better. This allows the flavors to meld into one another perfectly.

Variations

• You can use graham crackers, ginger snaps, sugar cookies, or any of your favorite wafer cookies instead of Nilla wafers.
• You can use Cool Whip in place of homemade whipped cream.
• If you’re not feeling fancy, you can use the ingredients in this recipe to make a regular banana pudding in a dish. 
• Use a trifle bowl or a wide glass bowl in place of the parfait glasses.

What to Serve with Magnolia Banana Pudding Parfaits

These delicious parfaits are the perfect ending to almost any meal, especially at parties or get-togethers. I love to serve them just as they are without anything else. They really are the stars of the show.

Recipe FAQ

What is Magnolia Bakery?

Magnolia Bakery is a chain of bakeries founded in New York City in 1996. Today, the bakery chain can be found across the country and is most well-known for its desserts.

Why is Magnolia Bakery famous?

Branding and flavor are why. The bakery was filmed in a scene in Sex and the City and was name-dropped in the film, The Devil Wears Prada. In addition to being featured in film and TV, the bakery makes some of the best cupcakes and banana pudding found anywhere in the United States.

What is Magnolia Bakery best known for?

While the chain is known to have delicious baked goods across the board, it’s most well-known for its decadent cupcakes and super-rich banana pudding.

What is a substitute for Nilla wafers in banana pudding?

If you don’t have vanilla wafers, you can use graham crackers, ginger snaps, or other wafer cookies.

How long does Magnolia banana pudding last?

Banana pudding will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

How to Store Leftover Banana Pudding Parfaits

Storage is super easy. Just place plastic wrap over the glasses and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Don’t freeze this dessert. It doesn’t hold up when defrosted.

Try This Delicious Banana Pudding Parfait Recipe Today

This banana pudding parfait recipe is super. It’s super rich, super delicious, and super easy to make. It’s the trifecta, and you will never be the same once you make it. Give this recipe a try just once, and it will be a permanent part of your recipe rotation. I guarantee it.