Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (2024)

Dessert

BySandra FleggPosted onUpdated on

Jump to Recipe·4.7 from 7 reviews

Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding is a crowd-pleaser and has been enjoyed by many. With layers of creamy, dreamy pudding, fresh bananas, and Chessmen cookies, this decadent Paula Deen dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and creamy goodness. So. Darn. Good.

this recipe!

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox.Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Have you ever enjoyed a dessert and then discovered that it’s so delicious that you have to go back to the fridge for another piece?? – THIS is that dessert.

Chessmen Banana Pudding is all the things that you want in a dessert. The simplicity of making it, the fact that it’s a no-bake dessert and perfect for those warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven and the FLAVORS. Trust me on this one. You need this creamy banana pudding in your life 🙂 !!

Another great Paula Deen recipe that our family has fallen in love with. This is good eating at its very best and you will want to add this great recipe to your own personal cookbook!

Mama’s banana pudding is traditionally made with vanilla wafers, while ‘not yo’ mama’s’ is made with chessmen cookies. They are fun, tasty and they soften up perfectly as the pudding chills in the refrigerator.

This is hands-down the best banana pudding recipe ever!

Why You’ll Love Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding Recipe

  • easy no-bake dessert recipe that is perfect for family reunions, bridal or baby showers, holidays.
  • Minimal prep time and effort required.
  • crowd-pleasing and the whole family will love it!
Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (2)

If you love easy dessert recipes, next time try these:

Easy Peach Trifle Recipe

Cream Cheese Peach Cobbler

Cherry Pie Bars for a Crowd

Easy Fresh Peach Dump Cake

What’s in Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding Recipe?

This easy dessert is one of those recipes with simple ingredients that you can find in the grocery store.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (3)
  • 2 (7.25 ounces) bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
  • 2 cups milk – you can use whole milk or regular milk, such as 2% milk
  • 1 (5.1 ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix (regular vanilla pudding or French vanilla pudding)
  • 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (8-ounce ) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1 (12-ounce) container cool whip whipped topping – you can also use whipping cream with a few teaspoons of sugar added and whip until thickened.
  • 6 – 8 medium bananas (sliced 1/2″ thick)*

Tip: You might want to buy a third bag of cookies in case some of cookies are broken in bag. If not, you could also use any broken cookies for th bottom layer of the dessert where they will be less noticeable.

How to Make Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding – Step by Step Instructions

You will need a 9x13x2-inch baking dish for this recipe. Not that it needs to be two inches deep to accomodate the thick, creamy filling.

You can find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. I’ve included photos and tips to help you make this recipe.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (4)

Step 1 – In a large mixing bowl, using handheld mixer, combine milk and instant pudding mix. Mix on low speed until combined and thickened, about two minutes. Set aside the pudding mixture.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (5)

Step 2 – In a separate large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Beat together on medium-high speed until no lumps remains and mixture is smooth.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (6)

Step 3 – Gently fold in the Cool Whip, using a rubber spatula, just until combined. Try to use as few strokes as possible when mixing together.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (7)

Step 4 – Transfer to the bowl with the pudding and stir gently until completely combined.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (8)

Step 5 – Line bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 bag of the cookies. You should be able to fit four rows by five rows in a 9×13-inch dish. Don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly to the edges.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (9)

Step 6 – Top with banana slices in an even layer.

How do you keep bananas from turning brown in a banana pudding?

Tip: If you plan to serve this dessert more than 1 day later after making it, gently toss the bananas in 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice top stop the bananas from turning brown in the pudding layer. (Not an issue at all if you use fresh bananas and serve the dessert the next day only)!

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (10)

Step 7 – Next, top the bananas with the whipped cream mixture and smooth out even with a rubber spatula.

Tip – Drop the mixture by heaping dollops in six sections, then gently spread out with a spatula. Dropping in sections makes it easier to get a nice evenly layer of the creamy filling.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (11)

Step 8 – Lastly, lay out the second bag of Chessmen cookies.
Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight is even better!)

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (12)

To serve: Scoop the banana pudding onto serving plates and enjoy!

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (13)

My Top Tips for making Chessmen Banana Pudding

The bananas will naturally change colors after one day of sitting in the fridge. This is a natural process and does not mean that the bananas have turned and is purely aesthetic. See my note on the recipe card to toss them in lemon juice to avoid browning.

Buy an extra bag of cookies in case you have broken cookies in the bag!

Do you have to refrigerate banana pudding?

Yes. Place banana pudding in the refrigerator for at least three hours before serving and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days.

I would love it if you left a comment about this recipe below! Subscribe to join the community and receive regular updates straight to your inbox! Let’s connect via Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest!

You might also enjoy these recipes

Print

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (14)

Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding (Paula Deen’s Recipe)

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Sandra Flegg
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
Print Recipe

Description

Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding is a crowd-pleaser and has been enjoyed by many. With layers of creamy, dreamy pudding, fresh bananas, and Chessmen cookies, this decadent Paula Deen dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and creamy goodness.

Ingredients

2 (7.25 ounces) bags Pepperidge Farm Chessman cookies

2 cups milk

1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding

1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (8-ounce ) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

68 medium bananas (sliced 1/2″ thick)*

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, using electric hand mixer, combine milk and instant pudding mix. Mix on low speed until combined and thickened, about two minutes.
  2. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Beat together on medium-high speed until no lumps remains and mixture is smooth.
  3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip, using a rubber spatula, just until combined.
  4. Transfer to the bowl with the pudding and stir gently until completely combined.
  5. Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with 1 bag of the cookies.
  6. Top with sliced bananas in an even layer.
  7. Next, top the bananas with the whipped cream mixture and smooth out even with a rubber spatula.
  8. Lastly, lay out the second bag of Chessmen cookies.
  9. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight is even better!)
  10. Scoop the banana pudding onto serving plates and enjoy!

Notes

*Note about bananas:If you plan to serve this dessert more than 1 day later after making it, gently toss the bananas in 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice top stop the bananas from turning brown in the pudding layer. (Not an issue at all if you use fresh bananas and serve the dessert the next day only)!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American
Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Paula Deen's Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze Paula Deen banana pudding? ›

The Deen Team

Yes, you will be totally fine! Banana pudding - freeze?

What ingredients are in Patti LaBelle's banana pudding? ›

Ingredients for Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding

To recreate Patti LaBelle's iconic banana pudding, you'll need sweetened condensed milk, cold water, instant vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, ripe bananas and vanilla wafers.

How long does banana pudding last in fridge? ›

If you have a lot of leftover pudding, it's best to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you have less leftover pudding, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Should bananas be ripe or unripe for banana pudding? ›

And, you don't want them to be overly sweet as they tend to get as they ripen. But MasterClass cautions that you also don't want your bananas too firm for your pudding. Those slices of fruit need to compliment the layers of vanilla wafer cookies and vanilla pudding or custard, and should definitely be ripe.

Why add sweetened condensed milk to pudding? ›

This will create the perfect creamy texture and milky taste. If you plan on adding a can to your pudding made with milk, you will want to prepare your pudding per the instructions, and allow it to sit for five minutes at room temperature before adding a can of sweetened condensed milk.

Can you make Paula Deen's banana pudding the night before? ›

This dessert is perfect to make a day ahead, especially if you prefer softer cookies. It can be put together in less than 15 minutes and chilled and ready to serve after several hours in the fridge.

Why is my banana pudding so runny? ›

Why is my banana pudding runny? Usually this is a result of 1) heating the mixture too fast (which doesn't give the sugar the chance to melt properly) or 2) simply not cooking for long enough. It takes time, but make sure the pudding is thickened before you remove it from the heat.

Can you substitute vanilla wafers in banana pudding? ›

It's worth trying to find vanilla wafers — their mild flavor and crunchy texture is ideal for this dessert. However, if you're unable to source them, you can substitute with shortbread cookies, ladyfingers (also known as Savoiardi cookies), or animal crackers.

What is magnolia banana pudding made of? ›

WHAT'S IN MAGNOLIA BAKERY BANANA PUDDING? This recipe has a few simple ingredients: Pudding, vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream.

Will bananas turn brown in banana pudding overnight? ›

However, you also shouldn't expect banana pudding to last longer than a day or so. Beyond that, the bananas will start to darken wherever some of the pudding has been spooned out, exposing them to air.

Is it OK to make banana pudding the night before? ›

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The banana pudding can be assembled (except for the crushed cookie topping) up to 12 hours before serving. Leftover banana pudding will last a few extra days. The bananas may brown a little once they're exposed to air, but it will still be delicious.

Are you supposed to freeze banana pudding? ›

Can You Freeze Banana Pudding? Banana pudding does not freeze well. Since this recipe is so simple, it shouldn't be a problem to make it right before serving! Trust us: There won't be any leftovers.

How do you keep bananas from turning yellow in banana pudding? ›

Coat the banana slices in a wee bit of lemon juice and that'll stop the browning. Then, once they are in the pudding, the lemon juice and lack of oxygen will keep them looking fresh.

Is it normal for bananas to turn brown in banana pudding? ›

However, you also shouldn't expect banana pudding to last longer than a day or so. Beyond that, the bananas will start to darken wherever some of the pudding has been spooned out, exposing them to air.

Where do you put bananas so they don't turn brown? ›

If they're still green, don't put them in the fridge. The dry, cool atmosphere slows down the ripening process, so green bananas likely won't progress beyond that. Room temperature would be the choice here, away from direct sunlight. Just remember, cool + dry = perfect.

How do you make banana puree not turn brown? ›

Sprinkle a few drops of citrus juice—lemon, lime, or orange—into the purée to slow down oxidation. The juice contains ascorbic acid which prevents oxidation.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 5825

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.