[title]
Magnolia Bakery is giving its cult-favorite banana pudding a modern makeover with the debut of a brand-new Banana Pudding Bar, launching Thursday, June 12, at the bakery’s Upper West Side location. It’s the first and only set-up of its kind from the beloved bakery—and it’s designed for anyone who’s ever wished their pudding came with a few extra bells and whistles.
Open daily from 12 pm to 8 pm at 200 Columbus Avenue, the Banana Pudding Bar lets dessert lovers choose from four made-to-order, over-the-top pudding creations. Each one is built fresh and layered with toppings, then served in a dome-lidded Magnolia-branded cup for $10.95. (Yes, the toppings are included in the price—this isn’t frozen yogurt!)
The new lineup features bold spins on the original: There’s a caramel brownie version, packed with fudgy chunks and drizzled with salted caramel; a cookies-and-cream twist with crushed Oreos and mini chocolate chips; a red velvet remix that folds in cake pieces for a cocoa-rich bite; and a chocolate hazelnut combo with a swirl of Nutella and extra chips on top. (The latter contains nuts, so allergy-prone pudding fans, be warned.)
Magnolia’s banana pudding is already legendary in its own right: creamy, nostalgic and Instagrammed into the dessert hall of fame. But this customizable bar marks a first for the brand, and it’s only available at the UWS shop, making it a true neighborhood exclusive.
It also taps into the current craze for build-your-own everything, from salad bowls to sundaes. The difference here is that you’re customizing a dessert that’s already perfect, which makes the results even more indulgent.
Whether you’re a longtime pudding loyalist or just looking to sweeten your next stroll through the neighborhood, the Banana Pudding Bar is ready to serve—with layers.