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–+ servings

Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding

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A modern spin on classic Southern banana pudding, this no-bake dessert combines layers of buttery Chessmen cookies, thick banana slices, and a creamy filling of pudding, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping. Assembled in a 9×13-inch baking dish and chilled until set, it’s a crowd-pleasing make-ahead treat perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Banana Pudding
  • 2 7.25-ounce bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 5.1-ounce box instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping thawed
  • 6–8 medium bananas sliced 1/2" thick

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, blend the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix with an electric hand mixer on low speed until the mixture is smooth and has thickened, about 2 minutes.
  2. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high to combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula, stopping as soon as everything is just combined.
  4. Transfer the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture into the bowl with the pudding base. Stir gently to fully combine.
  5. Arrange one bag of Chessmen cookies in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  6. Evenly layer the sliced bananas over the cookies.
  7. Spread the pudding mixture over the banana layer and smooth the surface with a spatula.
  8. Lay the second bag of Chessmen cookies over the top as the final layer.
  9. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
  10. To serve, scoop generous portions to get all the layers in each serving and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal

Notes

If you can’t find Chessmen cookies, vanilla wafers or shortbread work as substitutes, though the texture may differ. Gently toss banana slices with a bit of lemon juice to minimize browning if preparing ahead. This pudding is best assembled a day in advance so the cookies soften and the flavors meld. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; do not freeze, as the texture will be compromised. Serve directly from the dish for a classic Southern touch.

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