• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Food

Pumpkin pudding recipe inspired by Magnolia Bakery, with 1 tasty secret ingredient

0:30
How to make these viral pumpkin cheesecake cookies
The Palatable Life
Kelly McCarthy
ByKelly McCarthy
October 04, 2023, 4:20 PM

Although the weather has yet to fully transition to autumn, October is here, which means it's time for all things pumpkin -- from decorations to desserts. And even if you're not a baker, this recipe has all the fall flavors, and no cooking required.

"There is some kind of magic in the cold air of fall because the second it hits everyone craves fall dessert," The Palatable Life creator Mallory Jones Oniki told "Good Morning America" about how desserts with warm spices add a "cozy and magical" feeling.

Oniki transformed her 2017 hobby of food photography and recipe development into a full-time gig in 2021, sharing her delicious dishes all over social media. Her latest soon-to-be viral sensation: pumpkin pudding.

"This pudding is a great one because it combines two of the best fall flavors -- pumpkin and Biscoff. The Biscoff cookies soften slightly in the pudding and the cookie butter swirl hardens up so it creates the perfect balance of textures," she said of the dessert, which was inspired by Magnolia Bakery's pudding.

"They are best known for their banana pudding, but they also make seasonal puddings that they rotate through throughout the year. Every fall they bring back this pumpkin pudding flavor and I had to recreate it," Oniki said, with the caveat that Magnolia uses vanilla wafers. "I'm going to be honest: I think that swap makes mine better than the original."

Check out the full recipe below. Also, Oniki says, "Make sure you use instant pudding mix -- that is the biggest mistake people make with this recipe."

"If you don't use instant pudding, the pudding won't set up and the whole recipe won't work," Oniki explained.

Pumpkin Pudding with layers of Biscoff cookies

A serving of pumpkin and Biscoff cookie pudding.
The Palatable Life

Ingredients
1 3.4-ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix (Oniki uses Jell-O brand)
1/4 cup water
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
3 cups heavy cream
1 package Biscoff cookies
1 cup cookie butter

Instructions
Add the pudding mix, water, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice to a large bowl. Use a whisk to mix until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps! Cover and transfer to the fridge to chill for at least four hours, or overnight until it sets up.

Once the pudding has set up, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add 1/3 of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Use a rubber spatula to lightly fold the whipped cream in. Add the remaining whipped cream and mix until combined.

Add the cookie butter to a bowl and microwave for 20-40 seconds, until melted and smooth.

In a trifle bowl, add a layer of pudding. Top with Biscoff cookies, then add another layer of pudding, then drizzle on plenty of cookie butter. Continue to layer until you use all the pudding mixture!

Refrigerate for at least another 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tip: Go crazy with the layering! More is more when it comes to mix-ins with this pudding. Add as much cookie butter and Biscoff cookies as your heart desires!

Recipe reprinted with permission, courtesy of The Palatable Life.

Up Next in Food—

Are whole food sugars actually healthier? Experts weigh in on nutrition of dates, honey and more

April 18, 2026

How to make zucchini salad with tyrokafteri and other Mediterranean recipes

April 17, 2026

Good Housekeeping shares healthy, nutrient-dense Mediterranean recipes made for busy lives

April 16, 2026

Spring recipes from chef Michael Symon: Beef keftedes with fresh pea‑lemon yogurt spread

April 15, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News