Banana pudding has been a favorite American dessert for a long time, and Magnolia Bakery in New York turned it into one of its signature treats. Starting with the 2026-27 season, you’ll find Magnolia’s version on Holland America Line cruises across the Caribbean. The partnership celebrates a big anniversary at the cruise line’s private island.
Magnolia’s chief baking officer, Bobbie Lloyd, said it’s the first time the bakery’s desserts will be available at sea. Holland America’s chefs learned the recipe firsthand, training alongside her in New York City. The goal was to bring the pudding’s authentic taste and presentation on board.
Food Network Ranked It No. 1 in Sweets
In June, “Food Network Top 10” named the banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery No. 1 in its Sweets category. A panel of chefs, including Rocco DiSpirito and Kardea Brown, weighed in on the ranking.
Lloyd shared her reaction on Instagram after the episode aired. She wrote that when the team filmed in March, they had “no idea where Banana Pudding would land in the Top Ten ranking.”
The recipe itself sticks to familiar ingredients, including bananas, vanilla wafers, vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream. Magnolia credits careful proportions and a distinctive preparation for the pudding’s creamy texture.
How to Get It on Board
You’ll find Magnolia’s Banana Pudding Bar in the Lido Market on every Holland America ship sailing the Caribbean this season. Just know it only shows up once per cruise.
That anniversary is the upcoming 30th for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the Holland America Line private island in the Bahamas. Michael Stendebach, a vice president at Holland America, called the pudding a fitting way to celebrate. He also pointed to the role the island and its flavors have played in the line’s history.
The Caribbean Menu Goes Beyond Dessert
The rest of the menu leans into Caribbean flavors. In the Dining Room, you’ll find regional specialties on every course, from Jamaican Braised Oxtail to Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
Global Fresh Fish dishes, like roasted grouper and spiced barramundi, feature locally sourced ingredients. Over in the Lido Market, there’s a Caribbean Seafood Boil.
There’s also a Caribbean Brunch in the Dining Room and a Caribbean-themed dinner around the Lido Pool. For drinks, the Rum Ambassador program runs only on Caribbean ships. It features more than 35 distinct rums.
If you’ve got a Caribbean cruise on the calendar this season, keep an eye out for the pudding in the Lido Market. Miss it, and you’ll have to find a Magnolia Bakery back on land.