Paula Deen’s ‘Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding’
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This isn’t just dessert—it’s a Southern legend. Fluffy, light, and velvety, this banana pudding layers cookies, ripe bananas, and a luscious cream filling into one irresistible dish. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears at every potluck and family gathering, and once you’ve made it, you’ll never need another.
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Why It’s Legendary
- Creamy, cloud‑like texture: Cream cheese base + whipped cream folded in.
- Balanced sweetness: Rich but never cloying.
- Layers of flavor: Soft cookies, ripe bananas, velvety pudding.
- Make‑ahead friendly: Even better after a night in the fridge.
- Crowd‑pleasing: A guaranteed hit every time.
Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding (Chessman Banana Pudding)
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pudding Layer | Cream cheese | 8 oz block | Softened |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 14 oz can | Adds richness | |
| Instant pudding mix | 5 oz box | French vanilla or vanilla | |
| Whole milk | 3 cups | Cold | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Flavor boost | |
| Whipped Cream Layer | Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | Cold |
| Powdered sugar | ¼ cup | Sweetens cream | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Flavor | |
| Layers | Vanilla wafers | 11 oz box | Chessman or Nilla |
| Bananas | 4–5 | Sliced into ¼‑inch rounds | |
| Garnish | Crushed wafers | As desired | For topping |
| Banana slices | Optional | Tossed in lemon juice |
Directions
1. Make the Pudding Base
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- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Blend in condensed milk until creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (2–3 minutes).
- Stir pudding and vanilla into cream cheese mixture until smooth.
2. Make the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Do not overbeat.
3. Combine
- Fold half the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to lighten it.
4. Layer the Dessert
- In a 9×13‑inch dish or trifle bowl:
- Spread a thin layer of pudding.
- Add a layer of cookies.
- Add sliced bananas.
- Spread half the pudding mixture.
- Repeat with cookies, bananas, and remaining pudding.
- Top with the remaining whipped cream.
5. Garnish & Chill
- Sprinkle crushed wafers and garnish with banana slices (tossed in lemon juice).
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the cookies soften into cake‑like layers.
