Indulge in Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding made with layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy Chessmen cookies. A rich, comforting Southern dessert perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and full of comforting flavors. This version layers rich vanilla pudding with ripe bananas and buttery Chessmen cookies, creating a delightful combination of soft, creamy, and slightly crunchy textures.
Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion, this banana pudding is as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat.
Everyone goes crazy over Southern banana pudding. It is easy to make and packed with banana flavor. You might also like Banana Pudding Poke Cake.
If you love Paula Dean, also try Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars.
Table of contents
What Makes This Banana Pudding Different?
It is similar to Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe but with an extra ingredient. This recipe calls for cream cheese blended together with the sweetened condensed milk.
Also, instead of the typical nilla wafers, this recipe has Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies. They are layered on the bottom of the pan and the top for a gorgeous presentation. It’s a nice change from vanilla wafers.
You won’t find any meringue in this recipe but instead a yummy whipped topping mixture in this classic recipe.
Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creamy richness to the pudding.
- Whipped Topping: Thawed before using to create a light, fluffy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Softened at room temperature for smooth mixing and added creaminess.
- Milk: Used to prepare the pudding; whole milk gives the creamiest results.
- Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix: Forms the base of the creamy, sweet pudding layers.
- Bananas: Fresh and ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Chessmen Cookies: Layered throughout for crunch and buttery flavor; you can also use vanilla wafer cookies if preferred.
Find the complete ingredients for Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe in the recipe card at the bottom.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Place the cookies in a single layer in the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan.
Step 2. Layer the sliced medium bananas on top of the cookies in the pan.
Step 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and the milk. Set aside to thicken.
Step 4. In a separate bowl, beat together the package cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk until combined and smooth. I used an electric mixer. Make sure the cream cheese has been softened at room temperature.
Step 5. Carefully fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
Step 6. Next combine the cream cheese mixture into the cool whip pudding mixture until just combined.
Step 7. Spread this mixture in an equal amount into the pan on top of the sliced bananas.
Step 8. Then spread a layer of remaining cookies evenly on top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Then enjoy.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Keep Covered: This prevents the pudding from drying out and protects the cookies from becoming too soggy.
Assemble Just Before Serving: For best texture, consider layering the cookies and bananas right before serving to keep them slightly firm.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped topping and bananas can become watery when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can coat the bananas in a little bit of lemon juice if desired. However, I normally just layer the pudding over the bananas, and it helps to prevent air from getting to it. If eaten within the day, the bananas should be fine.
You can store it for 2 to 3 days. I do not recommend longer as it will get mushy and the bananas will turn brown. Can you freeze Banana Pudding?
No, the sweetened condensed milk gives it the desired amount of sweetness and texture. Whole milk or evaporated milk will not have the same results.
More Banana Recipes
- Fried Bananas Recipe
- Banana Coffee Cake
- Banana Split Dump Cake
- 51 Easy Banana Desserts
- Banana Pudding Cookies
Make Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding today and enjoy a creamy, layered Southern classic with the added crunch of Chessmen cookies. Don’t forget to leave a star rating and comment to share how it turned out!
Paula Deen Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
- 1 container Whipped Topping Cool Whip 12 ounces
- 1 pkg Cream Cheese softened
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 box Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix 5 oz
- 6-8 Bananas sliced
- 2 Bags Chessmen Cookies
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Place the cookies in a single layer in the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan.
- Layer the sliced bananas on top of the cookies in the pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and the milk. Set aside to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk until combined and smooth.
- Gently stir in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
- Then stir the cream cheese mixture into the pudding mixture until just combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly into the pan on top of the sliced bananas.
- Then spread a layer of cookies evenly on top.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
This was great! Easy to follow and was a hit at Christmas this year..
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it Jennifer! Thank you so much for the positive review!
I made this recipe for Christmas dessert. It came out fantastic! My family wants me to make again…not later, but right away! I’d love to attach a photo of it. I don’t see where I can!
Hey Valerie – That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you so much. You made our day!