Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

This Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding is the ultimate no-bake treat that combines simplicity with indulgence! With buttery Chessmen Cookies as the base, layers of fresh banana slices, and a creamy mixture of whipped cream cheese, vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, and sweetened condensed milk, every bite is heavenly!

Easy Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe

The classic banana pudding dessert has long been a family favorite for all sorts of occasions. But ever since we tried this Chessmen Banana Pudding Recipe, we have all agreed it’s the new favorite!

This no-bake dessert features layers of Chessmen cookies layered with a sweet, creamy pudding filling and banana slices. Prep time is just a few minutes, and the hardest part is waiting 4 hours for it to chill before diving in.

This banana pudding recipe is a huge hit at summer gatherings. Seriously, it’s one of the first things to disappear off the table, and everyone is always asking for the recipe.

This recipe inspired several others, like my banana pudding layer cake and banana pudding poke cake!

Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding Recipe

This version of banana pudding was made famous by chef Paula Deen and uses Chessman instead of Nilla wafers. They are a sweet and buttery shortbread that tastes so good with the pudding and bananas. It also has cream cheese mixed in with the pudding for a creamy and tangy filling that’s craveable! I’ve made this banana pudding recipe several times, and it has always been a hit. If you want a crowd-pleasing dessert, this one should be on your list.

Why You’ll Love Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

• No-bake dessert. This is a fantastic holiday or summer dessert if you want to avoid using the oven.
• Prepare it in 20 minutes. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare this pudding recipe.
• Great to make ahead. Set up this banana pudding the day before serving since it needs chilling time.
• Easy. This simple banana pudding recipe is so simple! Just layer store-bought ingredients, chill, and dig in.
• Flavorful. Even though this pudding is super simple, it’s still full of banana flavor.
• Always a hit. Every time I take this pudding to get-togethers I get so many compliments. Everyone loves this banana pudding recipe.

What is Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding?

This banana pudding dessert is not simply a banana flavored pudding but rather a classic Southern dessert made with vanilla pudding mixed with Cool Whip, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk, and layered with slices of banana and cookies.

While many recipes call for Nilla wafers, this one is similar to the famous Paula Deen banana pudding recipe called Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding and is made with Pepperidge Farm’s Chessmen Cookies which look so nice and taste delicious.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Paula Deen’s Chessman banana pudding. You’ll notice all of the ingredients are very easy to find! (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy-to-print recipe card)

• Instant vanilla pudding: This is the key to making a delicious pudding filling. I combine it with milk according to the package directions.
• Cream cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is soft before you add it to the pudding. Otherwise, it will be lumpy and hard to mix.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and richness to this banana pudding recipe as well as structure.
• Cool Whip: I fold in whipped topping to lighten up the texture.
• Pepperidge Farm Chessman Cookies: These are great for this recipe. They are crisp and buttery — the perfect contrast to the sweet pudding and bananas.
• Bananas: Of course, you need fresh banana slices to complete Not Yo Mama’s banana pudding!

Can Chessman Banana Pudding Be Made with Nilla Wafers?

Absolutely. If you prefer a classic banana pudding to this “Not Your Mother’s Banana Pudding” version, you can easily swap the Chessman cookies for Nilla Wafers. Or, you can make this Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers.

How to Make Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

In a few simple steps, you will have your pudding mixed and layered. Then, it’s ready to devour after it’s had some refrigeration time!

• Combine milk and pudding mix. Add the milk and pudding mix to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until it’s well combined and starts to thicken.
• Beat cream cheese. In a separate bowl, add the cream cheese and condensed milk. Beat with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.

• Combine the mixtures. Pour the vanilla pudding into the cream cheese mixture and whisk until they are fully combined.
• Add Cool Whip. Then, fold in the Cool Whip until it’s fully incorporated.

• Layer the cookies and bananas. In a deep 9×13 baking dish, add a layer of Chessman cookies on the bottom. Then, cover the cookies with a layer of sliced bananas.

• Spread pudding mixture. Pour in all of the pudding mixture and spread it evenly over the bananas.
• Add more cookies. Top the pudding with more Chessman cookies.

• Cover and chill. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with an extra dollop of Cool Whip and banana slices.

Can Banana Pudding Be Made Ahead?

Yes, the banana pudding can easily be a make ahead dessert. Simply put it together the night before you plan to serve the dessert and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. Slice and serve the next day. In fact, I actually recommend this option as it gives plenty of time for the pudding to set.

Proper Storage

Store leftovers of this Chessman banana pudding tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as it becomes watery when it thaws.

More Banana Pudding Recipes to Try

• Banana Bread Pudding
• Banana Pudding Dip
• Easy Banana Pudding Bark
• Banana Pudding Cookies
• Banana Pudding Cheesecake (No Bake)