No-bake Banana Pudding

This no-bake dessert is my version of the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding.

I'll never forget my first visit to Magnolia Bakery. As a baker, I had heard so much about this famous bakery, known for their black and white cookies made popular by Seinfeld, and appearance in Sex and the City. I followed them on Instagram and got a glimpse of their banana pudding and, I knew immedietly that I had to eat it. So, while on a NYC trip with my brothers, I dragged them to so many bakeries I wanted to try. It was so insanely hot, and we finally made it to Magnolia Bakery. They didn't really understand why I dragged them all this way, in the heat, for banana flavoured pudding, of all things. Once we got into the bakery, I wanted to eat everything. I ordered a few treats, and then obviously, the showstopper, the banana pudding. We took our goodies outside, and grabbed a seat on the nearest bench. Tired and hot, we opened the package and took the first bite. Oh my god, this banana pudding was life changing. It was cold, perfectly sweet, and weirdly refreshing. It didn't feel too indulgent, but just the perfect sweet treat. Once we left, I knew I had to make my own. After a lot of research, I finally developed my own recipe, adjusted to my own sweetness levels.

Recently, I went to Rosie's Burgers, who has their own take on the banana pudding. I loved the crumble topping they used, so decided to upgrade my version with a crumble topping as well. I'm happy to report, its absolutely delicious!

This no-bake Banana Pudding recipe is fool-proof and super easy to make. It's a fan favourite in my family, and I love making it since its so easy!

The traditional cookie used in a banana pudding is the Nilla wafer, but I can't seem to find those in Canada anymore. This is why I haven't posted this recipe until now, I just couldn't make it! Recently, I found a similar cookie made by the brand Kinnikinnick. It's a perfect substitute and works well!

No-bake Banana Pudding recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups whipping cream, cold

• 1 package vanilla pudding mix

• 2 cups milk, cold (for pudding mix)

• 1 package Vanilla wafers

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Directions

Pudding mixture

1. In a large bowl, make the vanilla pudding according to the package. Usually, this involves whisking 2 cups of cold milk with the pudding mix. Allow to set for 5 minutes.

2. In another large bowl, whip the whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks. Use the whisk attachment. If you don't have a mixer, use a whisk and whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

3. Once the pudding mix is set, add it all to the bowl with the whipped cream. Mix together using a spatula or whisk. Set aside.

Crumble topping

4. In a medium sized bowl, add the melted butter to the graham crackers. Mix until combined. Set aside.

Bananas

5. Peel and chop bananas. Set aside.

Assembly

6. Once you have all your components ready, you can begin assembling.

7. In a large glass serving dish, you will be layering in this order:

   1. Pudding mixture

   2. Wafers

   3. Bananas

   4. Repeat

8. Layer the ingredients, ending with the pudding mixture on top.

9. Once the final layer of pudding mixture is spread, top with the crumble topping mixture. Ensure the graham cracker mixture its spread evenly.

10. Cover the glass dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours. You'll really want to chill this for a minimum of 12 hours so the cookies soften and the banana flavour can infuse into the pudding.

11. Once the banana pudding has chilled, scoop, serve and enjoy!