Chantilly Lili Recipe, The Meghan Markle Dessert That Broke the Internet

A Royal Dessert With Southern Roots

It’s not often that a banana pudding causes this much buzz. But when Meghan Markle introduced the world to her Chantilly Lili dessert on April 2, 2025, it didn’t just trend — it sparked conversations, culinary takes, and even some controversy.

Inspired by her grandmother’s banana pudding and named after her daughter, Princess Lilibet, this layered creation blends Southern comfort with California freshness, modern aesthetics, and just enough unexpected flair to get people talking.

The Story Behind the Layers

According to the launch video from Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, the recipe is part of a broader mission: honoring family traditions while reimagining them for today. The dessert debuted in a charming clip featuring Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, layering strawberries, pudding, and cookies in their Montecito kitchen.

There’s history here, too. Meghan’s version pays homage to her grandmother Jeanette’s classic banana pudding, a staple at family gatherings. But she swaps the usual vanilla wafers for crisp crumble, adds macerated strawberries with lemon zest, and finishes with Chantilly cream and passion fruit seeds for a modern, tropical edge.

“It’s as special and sweet as she is,” Meghan said in her Instagram post, a nod to her daughter and the dessert’s namesake.

Why Chantilly Lili Is Trending (and Dividing the Internet)

From Reddit threads to lifestyle blogs, everyone has something to say about this dessert. And here’s why:

1. Celebrity Effect

Anything Meghan touches generates buzz. Search spikes for “Meghan Markle banana pudding” and “Chantilly Lili recipe” were immediate. News outlets like InStyle, The New York Times, and food influencers across Instagram amplified the buzz.

2. Visual Appeal

It’s hard to ignore. Layered custard, ruby strawberries, and jewel-like passion fruit seeds in clear glasses or trifle bowls? Pure Instagram gold.

3. Tradition vs. Innovation

Purists weren’t thrilled. Online debates ignited over whether strawberries or passion fruit belong in banana pudding at all. Some praised the bold flavors. Others called it “textural chaos.” And that’s the sign of a truly modern recipe, it makes people feel something.

Also read: With love, meghan recipes Is Pure Comfort in Every Bite

Print

Meghan’s Chantilly Lili Recipe

A luxurious twist on classic banana pudding, Chantilly Lili recipe by meghan markle, features layers of vanilla custard, fresh strawberries, banana slices, and Chantilly cream, topped with crushed vanilla wafers and passion fruit seeds. Created by Meghan Markle as a tribute to her daughter, Princess Lilibet, this dessert blends Southern comfort with modern elegance.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword banana pudding, Chantilly lili recipe, Meghan markle cake recipe, meghan markle Chantilly lili recipe, royal dessert, With love meghan recipes

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Chilling Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 380kcal

Cost 13

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (for whipped cream)
• 6 serving glasses or 1 large trifle bowl
• Zester or grater (for lemon zest)

Ingredients

• For the Custard:
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Macerated Strawberries:
• 1½ cups strawberries hulled and sliced
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Other Layers:
• 2 bananas sliced
• 8 –10 shortbread cookies crushed
• ½ cup whipped Chantilly cream
• 1 tbsp passion fruit seeds optional

Instructions

• Make the custard:
• In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and yolks. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and chill.
• Prep the strawberries:
• Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon zest. Let sit 15 minutes until juicy.
• Assemble the dessert:
• In glasses or a large bowl, layer crushed cookies, sliced bananas, custard, and strawberries. Repeat layers.
• Top with Chantilly cream and scatter passion fruit seeds over the top (optional but striking).
• Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Time-Saver: Use instant vanilla pudding (prepare with 1¾ cups milk) for a 30-minute version.

Fruit Swap: Replace strawberries with raspberries or mango for a different twist.

Crunch Factor: Add toasted coconut flakes with the wafer topping.

Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk and coconut whipped cream.

Make-Ahead: Pudding and macerated berries can be prepared 1 day in advance.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal

🧑‍🍳 Chef’s Tip: Want a shortcut? Use high-quality instant vanilla pudding — just know you’ll lose some of that velvety depth homemade custard offers.

Also read: Meghan Markle’s Lemon Cake Recipe (Simple & Zesty!)

My Kitchen Take: Chef-Tested Versions

As someone who’s made more banana puddings than I can count, I had to try this. I followed Meghan’s version exactly — and then I riffed.

First Attempt (By the Book)

• Custard: Rich and velvety — worth the effort
• Strawberries: Macerated with lemon? Brilliantly bright
• Passion fruit: Gorgeous, but not for everyone — some testers loved the crunch, others said “Why are there seeds in my pudding?”

Second Attempt (Weeknight Version)

• Instant pudding and coconut whipped topping
• Frozen mango instead of strawberries
• No passion fruit

Still delicious — lighter, faster, and more family-friendly.

Variations & Twists to Try

Peach Chantilly Lili

Swap strawberries for fresh or canned peaches. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the custard for a cobbler-inspired twist.

Lemon Lili

Use lemon curd in the layers, pair with blueberries, and add crushed graham crackers instead of cookies.

Tropical Lili

Go full vacation mode: mangoes, coconut cream, and toasted macadamia nuts.

Tips for Making It Shine

• Chill time matters. Two hours minimum, four is better. The flavors and texture improve with time.
• Wait to add the crunch. Add cookie crumble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Layer with intention. Make sure each serving gets fruit, pudding, and cream — the balance is everything.
• Not into passion fruit? Try pomegranate seeds or skip altogether.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~380
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 52g
• Protein: 6g

Lighten it up with low-fat milk, coconut cream, or sugar substitutes.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Dessert Matters

Chantilly Lili isn’t just trending because of a famous name. It’s resonating because it represents something deeper, the way food connects generations, honors legacy, and still evolves.

Meghan took something nostalgic and made it new. Whether you see that as revolutionary or sacrilegious probably says more about your own kitchen values. Either way, it got people talking and that’s what food is meant to do.

Final Thoughts from a Chef’s Heart

I’ve made banana pudding in sheet pans, mason jars, trifle bowls, and once — in a Dutch oven on a camping trip. But this version? It feels like a love letter.

Not just to Southern dessert traditions, but to the act of making something with care. Something that looks as good as it tastes. Something worth remembering.

So try it. Tweak it. Make it your own. Whether you call it Chantilly Lili or just “banana pudding with flair,” it’s a dessert that invites conversation, and maybe even a little joy.