Magnolia Bakery's Banana Pudding

Magnolia Bakery. I don't go there for their cupcakes. Sometimes I'll get some icebox pie or a bar cookie. But the dessert that makes me a repeat customer is their banana pudding. If you've had it, you know what I mean. People who don't even like banana pudding love this stuff. And the good news is: the recipe is not a secret.

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice cold water
1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
3 cups heavy cream
1 (12-ounce) box Nabisco Nilla Wafers (no substitutions!)
4 cups sliced ripe bananas [Use the kitchen measurement converter -- LR]

In a small bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well, about 2 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight, before continuing. It is very important to allow the proper amount of time for the pudding mixture to set.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. 

Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until well blended and no streaks of pudding remain.

 Streaks

No streaks

To assemble the dessert, select a large, wide bowl (preferably glass) with a 4-5-quart capacity. Arrange one-third of the wafers to cover the bottom of the bowl, overlapping if necessary, then one-third of the bananas and one-third of the pudding. 

Repeat the layering twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer of the pudding. 

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours - or up to 8 hours before serving.

This recipe makes A LOT. You'll have plenty to share-but don't worry, we won't tell anyone if you decide not to!