Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe
Do you love creamy, dreamy desserts that melt in your mouth? Then you need the Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies 7.25 oz each
- 6 to 8 medium bananas sliced into rounds
- 2 cups 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
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Layer
- Line the bottom of your 13x9 inch dish with one bag of cookies. Make sure they cover the entire base. This creates a sturdy and buttery crust for your pudding.
Add the Fresh Fruit
- Peel and slice your bananas into even coins. Layer them directly on top of the cookies. I like to use plenty of bananas for extra flavor and natural sweetness.
Mix the Pudding and Milk
- In a medium bowl, combine the milk and instant pudding mix. Use a whisk to blend them until smooth. Set this aside for a few minutes so it can thicken up.
Cream the Cheese and Condensed Milk
- In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese and condensed milk. Use an electric mixer until the texture is completely smooth. There should be no lumps left.
Combine the Mixtures
- Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Then, pour in the thickened pudding. Stir slowly until everything is well combined and looks fluffy.
Assemble the Layers
- Pour the creamy pudding mixture over the bananas and cookies. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Ensure all the bananas are completely covered.
Add the Final Topping
- Place the remaining bag of cookies on top of the pudding. You can lay them in neat rows for a beautiful look. This makes the dessert look professional and inviting.
Chill and Set
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This allows the cookies to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are yellow with just a few brown spots. They provide the best sweetness and aroma.
- Room Temp Cheese: Always soften your cream cheese first. If it is cold, your pudding will have tiny lumps in it.
- Cookie Swap: If you cannot find Chessmen cookies, vanilla wafers work too. However, the buttery shortbread really makes this recipe unique.
- Double the Fruit: If you love fruit, add a second layer of bananas in the middle.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: You can swap the whipped topping for 2 cups of heavy cream whipped with sugar.