Paula Deen’s “Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding”

If you love banana pudding like I do, this recipe is a MUST for you to try. I’ve made it for housewarming parties, cookouts, work functions, and more, and have never brought home any leftovers. People have literally grabbed extra cookies and scraped the dish clean. I would be one of those people. No shame!

The South is steeped in tradition, and our recipes are high on that list. In the past, there was no way I would have used instant pudding mix in my banana pudding. Instant?? Bless your heart. It’s Grandma Peggy’s homemade recipe or nothing!” But when a friend requested banana pudding a few hours before we were going over for supper, I found Miss Deen’s quick recipe, gave it a try, and have never gone back! Sorry, Grandma Peggy. This stuff is like dreamy, creamy, crack with bananas. It is that good, Y’all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana pudding is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and buttery cookies is irresistible. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, saving you precious time and effort.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 13×9 inch dish
• Handheld electric mixer
• Two mixing bowls

Ingredients

• 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies OR 2 bags Vanilla Wafers
• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (5 oz.) box instant French Vanilla pudding
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line the bottom of a 13×9 inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
2. In Bowl 1, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using the handheld electric mixer.
3. In Bowl 2, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.
4. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
5. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
6. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
• For a richer flavor, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a twist, try using chocolate cookies instead of vanilla.
• Add a layer of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dessert offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, but keep in mind it’s a treat. Portion control is key!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe the day before? Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen topping? Absolutely, fresh whipped cream adds a lovely homemade touch.

What if I don’t have Chessmen cookies? Vanilla wafers work perfectly as a substitute.

Conclusion

This banana pudding is a must-try for anyone who loves a quick, delicious dessert. Perfect for gatherings or just a special treat, it’s sure to impress. I invite you to give it a go and share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!