Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe
This Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe is the most famous and decadent dessert in the South. It features rich cream cheese, cool whipped topping and buttery Chessmen cookies instead of plain wafers.
Ingredients
- 2 bags 6.75 oz each Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
- 6 to 8 large ripe bananas sliced into rounds
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 box 5 oz instant French vanilla pudding mix
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container 12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Base
- Line the bottom of your 13x9 inch glass dish with one full bag of Chessmen cookies. Make sure the cookies cover the bottom completely to create a sturdy and buttery crust.
Add Banana Layers
- Slice your ripe bananas into thin rounds and place them evenly over the top of the cookies. I like to use plenty of bananas so every single bite has a fresh fruit flavor.
Mix the Pudding
- In a medium bowl, combine the cold whole milk with the instant French vanilla pudding mix. Whisk for two minutes until the mixture begins to thicken, then set it aside for a moment.
Cream the Cheese
- In your large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together. Mix until the texture is completely smooth, creamy, and has no lumps of cheese visible.
Fold in Whipped Topping
- Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using your rubber spatula. This step makes the pudding base light, airy, and very fluffy for a perfect mouthfeel.
Combine the Bases
- Slowly pour the thickened vanilla pudding into the large cream cheese mixture bowl. Stir them together gently until the color is a beautiful, pale yellow and the texture is uniform.
Spread the Filling
- Pour the entire creamy pudding mixture over the layers of cookies and fresh bananas in your dish. Use your spatula to smooth the top so it is flat and covers all the edges.
Final Cookie Topping
- Place the second bag of Chessmen cookies on top of the pudding in neat, straight rows. This creates a professional and very appetizing look that Paula Deen is famous for.
Chill the Pudding
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for four hours. Chilling allows the cookies to soften slightly and the flavors to blend perfectly together.
Serve Cold
- Scoop the pudding into bowls or plates while it is still very cold from the fridge. Garnish with an extra cookie or a mint leaf if you want to be extra fancy.
Notes
- Always use ripe bananas with a few brown spots for the sweetest and best flavor.
- Make sure your cream cheese is very soft so it blends smoothly without any lumps.
- Use banana cream pudding mix instead of vanilla if you want an extra-strong fruit taste.
- Dip your banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
- You can use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping for a richer dessert experience.
- Try layering the pudding in individual glass jars for a beautiful and portable party treat.