Description
Southern comfort shines through this classic Paula Deen banana pudding, blending creamy custard with layers of vanilla wafers and ripe bananas. Sweet nostalgia meets simple elegance you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 2 bags chessmen cookies
- 2 cups milk
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 1 (12-ounce/340 grams) container of frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
Flavor and Thickening Ingredients:
- 1 (5-ounce/142 grams) box of instant French vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
- Prepare the base layer by meticulously arranging whole chessmen cookies in a uniform pattern across the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch (33 x 23 x 5 centimeters) baking dish.
- Create a vibrant layer of freshly sliced bananas directly atop the cookie foundation, ensuring complete coverage and an even distribution.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk (240 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces) and instant vanilla pudding mix using an electric hand mixer until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until achieving a silky, lump-free texture using an electric mixer.
- Gently fold thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture with delicate folding motions.
- Integrate the pudding mixture into the cream cheese blend, stirring carefully to create a harmonious, well-incorporated filling.
- Carefully pour the combined mixture over the banana and cookie base, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure complete coverage.
- Complete the dessert by strategically placing the remaining chessmen cookies on top, creating an attractive and appetizing final layer.
- Securely cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely.
- Remove from refrigerator shortly before serving to ensure optimal texture and taste.
Notes
- Grab extra-ripe bananas with brown speckles for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends smoother, creating a silky, lump-free pudding texture.
- Consistent layering ensures every spoonful delivers balanced banana, cookie, and creamy goodness.
- Overnight chilling develops richer flavors and allows dessert to firm up perfectly.
- Vanilla wafers make an excellent substitute if chessmen cookies aren’t available in your pantry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 331
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 299 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg