Banana pudding is having its moment. From viral banana cream matcha lattes to banana pudding lip gloss and even variations on Magnolia Bakery’s famous dessert. It seems there’s something truly addicting about that creamy, tropical banana flavor mixed with something milky and sweet. And now, here’s a coffee version of the banana pudding wave. A classic iced latte topped with delicious homemade banana pudding!

Here’s how to make this delicious banana pudding latte with this easy, step-by-step recipe for the ultimate creamy latte. It’s seriously good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a Fraction of the Price: Why spend a premium at a cafe when you can make a cafe-quality drink at home for just a few dollars? You only need simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, which will ultimately save you money without sacrificing flavor.
• It’s So Easy to Make: You don’t need any special barista skills or complex equipment. Just a whole lotta love!
• A Fun Dessert: Banana pudding is one of the easiest desserts to make, and after you make this drink, you’ll have delicious leftover pudding to eat!

Do Banana and Coffee Go Together?

Yes! While it might seem like an unusual pairing at first, banana and coffee are a surprisingly perfect match. I first tried banana in coffee when mixing Korean banana milk with coffee. I thought it was okay since banana milk is extremely sweet, but it wasn’t mind-blowing.

Then I had a Thai breakfast coffee from a local spot in SF called CoffeeShop, and wow, it was something else! It reminded me of banana oatmeal with coffee, loaded with warm, yummy spices. That experience really opened my eyes to how well banana and coffee can work together!

It’s kind of like the classic combo of banana bread and a hot cup of coffee, sweet and bold! The fruity, mellow notes of banana complement the roasted, slightly acidic flavors of coffee. It’s so satisfying!

This combination has always been popular, eaten separately, but together it’s a whole new world! Couple that with creativity and dessert, and the banana pudding latte was born.

What is a Banana Pudding Latte?

A banana pudding latte is a creamy dessert coffee made with a scoop of homemade banana pudding, espresso, ice, and milk! It has that nostalgic taste of banana pudding with a modern cafe twist.

My favorite part is when the pudding and coffee mix together, for a kind of tres leches cake texture and vibe.

While the popular banana pudding matcha latte has taken social media by storm, this version is perfect for coffee lovers. It’s a delicious layered drink that is both sweet and bold, perfect as a treat.

Banana Pudding Latte Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

I use the Magnolia Bakery banana pudding recipe!

• Banana Pudding:
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ can condensed milk
• ¾ cup ice-cold water
• 1 pack Jello vanilla pudding mix
• 1 box Nilla vanilla wafers nonnegotiable
• 2 whole bananas sliced
• Banana Pudding Iced Latte:
• 1-2 shots of espresso
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup ice
• 2-3 spoonfuls of banana pudding

Tips: Make your banana pudding a day ahead to let the flavors hang out and thicken for the best texture in your latte. For an extra touch, add a dash of vanilla extract to the pudding or milk before mixing. If you want a stronger banana flavor, add a splash of banana syrup or a bit of ripe banana puree into the pudding.

How to Make a Banana Pudding Latte

1. Make Vanilla Pudding Base. Whip condensed milk and ice-cold water together in a small bowl until well combined. Then, add the vanilla pudding mix and whip for 2 more minutes. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight (this is crucial for the pudding to set.)
2. Whip the Cream. In a medium-sized bowl, whip the cream on medium for 3-5 minutes until you make whipped cream with stiff peaks.
3. Combine Pudding and Cream. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding, starting with half the cream. Fold the two together until there are no streaks left, and you have a fluff, consistent cream pudding.
4. Make Banana Pudding. Slice bananas into thin, quarter-inch coins. In a baking dish or deep bowl, make a single layer of Nilla wafers followed by a layer of banana slices, and top with enough pudding to completely cover the surface. Repeat until you fill up the dish. You should end on a layer of pudding. Cover and chill in the fridge for 4 hours before serving.
5. Brew Espresso. Brew 1-2 shots of espresso using an automatic or manual espresso machine, using your favorite beans. You can also use instant espresso powder or coffee concentrate as a replacement.
6. Assemble Drink. Add ice, milk, and espresso to a glass, then top with spoonfuls of your banana pudding. Garnish with thin banana slices or Nilla wafer crumbles.
7. Mix and Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding Latte

• Make Homemade Banana Pudding: I know it’s tempting to use a premade pudding, but trust me, the homemade version is so worth it. It doesn’t take long, and you just set it and forget it until it’s time to drink!
• Use Ripe Bananas: It’s easy to overlook this step, but ripe bananas are important! It will give your pudding a nice banana flavor and add sweetness. Don’t use overripe bananas, though, and avoid green ones!
• Let the Pudding Rest: The literal Magnolia Bakery recipe says to let the pudding rest for 4 – 6 hours or overnight for the best flavor!
• The Shortcut: If you don’t want to wait, you can make this extremely fast by blending the bananas, pudding mix, cream, and Nilla wafers until it’s smooth. You can use that as the topping instead of the pudding! The flavor will be the same, but you won’t get the distinct components.

Variations & Customizations

• Vegan Banana Pudding Latte: Use your favorite plant-based milk (oat works great here), plant-based cream, and a gelatin-free pudding powder. Also, skip dairy-based wafers or opt for vegan vanilla cookies.
• Gluten-Free: Skip the wafers and replace them with vanilla extract or replace them with gluten-free cookies or graham crackers.
• Boozy Twist: For a spiked adult version, add a splash of banana liqueur or spiced rum. It’ll taste sooo goood, kind of like a banana tiramisu!
• Spiced Banana Pudding Latte: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the banana pudding or espresso for a fall-inspired, comforting flavor.
• No Banana Pudding?: Use banana-flavored yogurt or blend a ripe banana with milk and a bit of vanilla pudding mix for a quick hack.
• No Espresso Machine?: Swap in strong brewed coffee, cold brew, or even instant espresso powder mixed with hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this without banana pudding?
Yes! While banana pudding gives the latte its signature dessert-like flavor, you can blend a ripe banana with milk and a little vanilla pudding mix or custard as a quick alternative.

How long does banana pudding last in the fridge?
Homemade banana pudding stays fresh for 4-5 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown, and the texture will change.

How many calories are in a banana pudding latte?
It depends on the milk, pudding, and toppings used, but a standard serving with whole milk and whipped cream is around 300-400 calories. You can lighten it by using low-fat milk and less pudding.

What if I don’t have an espresso machine?
You can use strong brewed coffee, a moka pot, or even Aeropress coffee. Just make sure it’s bold enough to come through with the milk and banana pudding.

Banana Drinks to Try Next

If you loved this banana pudding latte, here are more banana-infused drinks you need to try:

• Banana bread coffee
• Banana hojicha latte
• The matcha version of this drink
• Banana bread matcha latte
• Banana cream latte
• Easy banana milk matcha latte
• Banana cream matcha latte (Must try!)

If you try this drink and love it, please leave a review below! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!