I’ll never forget the first time I had Paula Deen’s banana pudding. It was at a family gathering, and let me tell you—one bite in, and I knew I had found dessert nirvana. The layers of silky pudding, fresh bananas, and those oh-so-buttery Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies created the kind of magic that makes you close your eyes and sigh in happiness.
But here’s the thing—I’ve always believed that recipes are meant to be played with, tweaked, and made your own. So, inspired by the legendary Paula Deen recipes, I set out on a mission: to recreate and refine Paula Deen’s banana pudding into something even more spectacular. The result? A dessert that keeps the essence of her famous Not Yo Mommas Banana Pudding Paula Deen style but with a few personal touches that make it my ultimate go-to for potluck dishes, brunch ideas, and Sunday family feasts.
Now, if you’re someone who loves old-fashioned banana pudding recipes but also craves a little modern twist, this homemade southern banana pudding recipe is for you. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for those days when you need a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. And the best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to put together!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. It’s an Easy No-Bake Dessert
No ovens, no fuss! If you can mix ingredients and layer them, you can make this pudding. It’s perfect for those days when you want something delicious without turning on the stove.
2. The Flavor is Out of This World
This isn’t just any banana pudding. The combination of rich cream cheese, velvety pudding, and buttery cookies takes it to another level. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet.
3. It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering, a work potluck, or a backyard BBQ, people will flock to this dish. Be prepared for compliments and recipe requests!
4. Perfect for Make-Ahead Prep
This pudding actually gets better as it sits in the fridge, making it ideal for preparing a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, creating a dessert that’s even more indulgent the next day.
5. Great Twist on a Classic
If you love old-fashioned banana pudding recipes but want something with a little extra oomph, this is it. The Chessmen cookies add a buttery richness you didn’t know you needed in banana pudding.
6. Versatile and Customizable
Want to switch up the cookies? Go for it. Need a gluten-free version? Swap in gluten-free vanilla wafers. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
7. No Artificial Banana Flavoring
Unlike some banana pudding recipes that use banana-flavored pudding mix, this recipe keeps it natural with fresh bananas and classic vanilla pudding, so you get that real banana taste.
Ingredients for Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe:
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
For the Layers:
- 6 to 8 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 (7.25-ounce) bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies (or vanilla wafers if preferred)
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch dish for layering
How to Make This Simple Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and continue mixing until well combined.
Step 2: Mix in the Pudding
In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well blended. This creates that signature light and airy texture we all love.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Line the bottom of your 9×13-inch dish with one layer of Chessmen cookies. Add a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat with another layer of cookies, bananas, and the remaining pudding.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
Notes & Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Recipe
1. Use Ripe (But Not Overripe) Bananas
The best bananas for this recipe are yellow with a few brown speckles. Too green, and they’ll be firm and flavorless; too brown, and they’ll get mushy.
2. Want a Lighter Version?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping to cut back on the richness while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
3. For a Homemade Touch
If you have a little extra time, swap the store-bought whipped topping for homemade whipped cream by whipping 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Add a Caramel Drizzle for Extra Indulgence
A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the final layer takes this pudding to a whole new level.
5. Make It a Brunch Star
This banana pudding isn’t just for dessert—it’s a fantastic addition to a brunch spread. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, muffins, and coffee for a Southern-inspired morning treat.
6. Storage Tips
This pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, but after that, the bananas may start to brown. If you want to keep them fresher longer, lightly toss the banana slices in lemon juice before layering.
Macronutrients Count Per Serving
- Calories: ~350-400 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
- Calcium: 10% DV
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific ingredient brands.)
Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Use Slightly Chilled Bananas
Chilling your bananas for about 30 minutes before slicing keeps them firmer and prevents them from browning too quickly in the pudding.
2. Layer Strategically for the Best Texture
To prevent soggy cookies, place a layer of pudding directly on the bottom before adding the first set of cookies. This keeps them from absorbing too much moisture too quickly.
3. Make It Extra Creamy
For an ultra-rich texture, replace half of the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream and a touch of powdered sugar.
4. Banana Preservation Trick
Lightly tossing banana slices in lemon or pineapple juice prevents them from turning brown while keeping their sweet flavor intact.
5. Enhance the Flavor with Real Vanilla Bean
For a gourmet touch, scrape a fresh vanilla bean into the pudding mixture instead of using extract. It adds a luxurious depth of flavor.
6. Customize with Different Cookies
Not a fan of Chessmen cookies? Try vanilla wafers, Biscoff cookies, or even shortbread for a unique twist on the classic dessert.
Banana Pudding Banter: FAQs You Didn’t Know You Needed
1. What Can I Serve With This Recipe?
This banana pudding pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, fresh berries, or a light citrus salad. If you’re serving it at a potluck, consider pairing it with other classic Southern desserts like peach cobbler or pecan pie.
2. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This pudding is best when it’s had at least a few hours to chill in the fridge. If making it a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
3. How Do I Keep the Cookies from Getting Too Soggy?
If you prefer your cookies to stay a bit crisp, add them just before serving or layer them on top rather than in the pudding mixture.
4. Can I Use Homemade Pudding Instead of Instant?
Yes! If you prefer a from-scratch approach, you can make a homemade vanilla custard using egg yolks, cornstarch, milk, and sugar. Just be sure to let it cool completely before assembling the pudding.
5. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The bananas may darken slightly, but the flavors will continue to develop beautifully.
6. Can I Make This a Healthier Version?
For a lighter take, use reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, and a light whipped topping. You can also swap out the cookies for a whole grain or lower-sugar alternative.
