On April 2, 2025, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, introduced a new Chantilly Lili Recipe, a dessert blending Southern nostalgia with Californian freshness. Named after her daughter, Princess Lilibet. This layered banana pudding reimagines a family recipe passed down from Meghan’s grandmother, Jeanette. Traditional banana pudding gets a gourmet upgrade with macerated strawberries, Chantilly cream, and a sprinkle of passion fruit seeds. Served in elegant glasses or a rustic bowl, it’s designed for both dinner parties and cozy nights at home.
The recipe debuted alongside Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, which emphasizes elevating everyday rituals. Its launch video, featuring Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, cooking in their Montecito kitchen, highlights the dessert’s dual appeal: nostalgic comfort and aspirational elegance.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
A Family Legacy
Meghan’s version pays homage to her grandmother’s classic banana pudding, a staple at Southern gatherings. However, she swapped soggy vanilla wafers for a crispy crumble topping and added strawberries macerated with lemon for a sweet-tart contrast. “Grandma Jeanette would have used instant [pudding], but she would have loved this,” Meghan told The New York Times.
A Nod to Princess Lilibet
The dessert’s name honors Meghan’s daughter, whose nickname, “Lili,” is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The recipe’s whimsical layers, creamy custard, vibrant berries, and tropical passion fruit-mirror Lilibet’s playful spirit. Meghan described it as “as special and sweet as she is” in her Instagram announcement.
Why Chantilly Lili Is Trending
1. Celebrity Influence
Meghan’s star power fueled its viral status. Searches for “Meghan Markle banana pudding” and “Princess Lilibet dessert” skyrocketed after the recipe’s release. Media outlets like InStyle and The New York Times amplified its reach, while Instagram and Reddit buzzed with debates about its modern twists.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
The dessert’s visual drama makes it Instagram gold. Layers of vanilla pudding, ruby-red strawberries, and golden passion fruit seeds create a striking contrast. As one home baker noted, “It’s like banana pudding grew up and went to a garden party”.
3. Culinary Controversy
Traditionalists criticized additions like strawberries and passion fruit, calling them “unnecessary” or even “unappetizing.” Reddit threads erupted with debates, with some users dismissing the seeds as “textural confetti” and others praising the bold flavors. This divide underscores its cultural impact: a dessert that sparks conversation.
Why You Should Try Chantilly Lili
- Flexible Format: Serve it in mason jars for picnics or a trifle bowl for family dinners.
- Seasonal Adaptability: Swap strawberries for peaches, rhubarb, or cherries.
- Conversation Starter: Its blend of tradition and innovation makes it a talking point at any gathering.
Also read: With love, meghan recipes Is Pure Comfort in Every Bite
Nutrition Facts
While indulgent, moderation balances its richness. Here’s a per-serving estimate (6 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 6g
Tip: Use low-fat milk or coconut cream for a lighter version.
My Kitchen Experiment: Testing the Recipe
I followed Meghan’s recipe meticulously, then experimented with tweaks. Here’s what I learned:
First Attempt (Authentic Version)
- Pudding Perfection: Homemade custard is essential. Store-bought alternatives lack the silky texture.
- Strawberry Struggle: Macerating berries felt time-consuming, but the lemon zest added a bright tang.
- Passion Fruit Debate: The seeds divided my taste testers. Some loved the crunch; others compared them to “bugs”.
Second Attempt (Simplified Version)
- Shortcut Custard: Instant pudding saved time but dulled the flavor.
- Berry Swap: Frozen mango added tropical sweetness without prep work.
- Omitted Seeds: Skipping passion fruit streamlined the dish but lost its signature edge.
Verdict: Stick to homemade custard for authenticity, but feel free to adjust toppings to taste.
Meghan’s Chantilly Lili Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (for whipped cream)
- 6 serving glasses or 1 large trifle bowl
Ingredients
- Vanilla Pudding:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups whole milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Fruit & Assembly:
- 8 oz fresh strawberries sliced
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar for macerating berries
- 1 lemon zest + 1 tsp juice
- 1 ripe banana sliced
- 4 vanilla wafer cookies crushed
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- 1 passion fruit seeds scooped (optional)
- Chantilly Cream:
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Vanilla Pudding:
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with ¼ cup milk until smooth.
- In a saucepan, combine remaining milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Whisk in cornstarch mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, vanilla, and salt. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic (pressed directly on surface), and chill 2 hours.
- Prepare Strawberries:
- In a bowl, toss sliced strawberries with 1 tbsp sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let sit 30 minutes.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla; whip to medium peaks.
- Assemble:
- In serving glasses, layer:
- Vanilla pudding
- Banana slices
- Drained macerated strawberries
- Chantilly cream
- Top with crushed wafers, passion fruit seeds, and mint.
Notes
Nutrition
Also read: Meghan Markle’s Lemon Cake Recipe (Simple & Zesty!)
Tips for Success
- Avoid Soggy Wafers: Add crushed cookies just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Passion Fruit Hack: Substitute with pomegranate seeds for similar texture without the controversy.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare pudding and macerated strawberries a day in advance.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Dessert
Chantilly Lili isn’t just a recipe, it’s a narrative about heritage and reinvention. Whether you’re drawn to its royal roots, intrigued by its flavors, or curious about the online debate, this dessert invites you to savor both its taste and its story.
As Meghan’s As Ever brand reminds us, “goodness is moments away.” So, layer boldly, share generously, and toast to the joy of culinary creativity.
Craving more royal-inspired recipes? Explore our guide to Hawaiian Chantilly Cake 16 or Meghan’s As Ever tea blends