Banana Pudding Recipe (2024)

HomeRecipe ListDessertsBanana Pudding Recipe

Posted by Aimee 258 comments
Published: Jul 30, 2023 Last Updated: Mar 20, 2024

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

This creamy, rich Banana Pudding Recipe is a delicious, no-bake dessert! Perfect for weeknights or potlucks, everyone will LOVE this classic recipe! A delicious Paula Deen recipe featuring banana pudding and chessmen cookies!

If you love easy pudding desserts, have you tried these amazing Pudding Cookies? They stay soft for days! Or give this delightful chocolate Pudding Cake recipe a try soon.

Banana Pudding Recipe (1)

Why this Banana Pudding is BEST

My family has been enjoying this easy banana pudding for years, as I’m sure many of you have as well. I figured it was about time to share the recipe and photos with all of you!

When trying out different versions and variations through the years, the recipe that stuck is Paula Deen’s Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding. She knows her banana pudding, for sure.

  • No Bake– sets up in 4 hours, firm enough to slice and serve
  • Looks beautiful in a trifle bowl, layered!
  • I changed the recipe so it’s ONE BOWL. Easy to make, easy to clean.

If you love banana pudding as much as we do, try our banana pudding cupcakes next. Or go easy and whip up this banana pudding cake!

Ingredient Notes

Banana Pudding Recipe (2)
  • Bananas. Start with fresh, ripened bananas. Preferably ones that are still firm, as the bananas will soften even more as this sits in the refrigerator.
  • Cookies. Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies are delicious shortbread cookies and make a great layering cookie. If you can’t find them, butter cookies or Nilla Wafers will work too! The cookies soften as this sits, much like in a Chocolate Eclair Cake or Icebox Cake. They become “cake-like” and amazing.
  • Pudding. I opt for banana cream instant pudding mix. I think it intensifies the banana flavor to a delicious level. However, Paula Deen uses French Vanilla, and I think even plain vanilla would work too. Be sure to use instant pudding not cook and serve for best results.
  • Whipped Cream vs Cool Whip. I chose to use Cool Whip for my banana pudding, but if you want to use a homemade whipped cream that would work too. It just might not be as stable. If serving in a trifle bowl, totally go for the whipped cream! You could also make our stabilized whipped cream which is similar to cool whip, but homemade!

How to Make Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding Recipe (3)

Bottom Layer. Line the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish with a single layer of cookies (it’s okay if they overlap slightly). Use the deepest 13×9 you own.

Layer sliced bananas over the top. I used 6 medium size bananas, and cover the bottom so you don’t see any cookies (about 2 layers worth of banana slices).

Pudding Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk. Beat until creamy, with no clumps! Add in pudding mixture, and milk, and beat again for several minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Fold in the cool whip or whipped cream.

Final Layer. Pour pudding mixture over the top of the bananas and top with a layer of cookies.

Chill. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Banana Pudding Recipe (4)

Easy Dessert Recipes

Desserts

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Side Dishes

Pistachio Fluff Salad

Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Candy

Peanut Butter Fudge

Banana Pudding

4.83 from 340 votes

By: Aimee

This creamy, rich Banana Pudding Recipe is a delicious, no-bake dessert! Perfect for weeknights or potlucks, everyone will LOVE this classic recipe!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 20 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 packages Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
  • 6 medium bananas sliced
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened 8 ounce
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounce
  • 1 box Instant Banana cream pudding mix 5 ounce ***
  • 2 cups milk ***
  • 12 ounce Cool Whip thawed

Instructions

  • Line the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish with one package of chessmen cookies. Top with sliced bananas.

  • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add in pudding mix and milk. Beat for several minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

  • Fold in cool whip and spread over banana layer.

  • Top with remaining package of chessmen cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Notes

  • French Vanilla or Vanilla Pudding Mix can be substituted for the Banana Cream flavor
  • I used 2% milk, but any variety would work.
  • Nilla Wafers and Butter Cookie can be substituted for the Chessmen Shortbread Cookies.
  • Recipe slightly adapted from Paula Deen's Not Yo Mamas Banana Pudding Recipe
  • Use an electric mixer to get smooth pudding results. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature!
  • For best results, allow the banana pudding to chill for at least 4 hours, overnight is best!
  • Store banana pudding covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
  • See blog post for more recipe tips and tricks.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 219kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 87mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 21g

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

This creamy, rich Banana Pudding Recipe is a delicious, no-bake dessert! Perfect for weeknights or potlucks, everyone will LOVE this classic recipe!

Banana Pudding Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What ingredients are in Patti LaBelle's banana pudding? ›

Ingredients for Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding

To recreate Patti LaBelle's iconic banana pudding, you'll need sweetened condensed milk, cold water, instant vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, ripe bananas and vanilla wafers.

Can I use condensed milk instead of milk for pudding? ›

Texture and sweetness: Sweetened condensed milk is thicker and much sweeter than regular milk. When using it as a substitute, the pudding will have a richer and sweeter flavor. The texture may also be slightly thicker and creamier.

How long is banana pudding good for in fridge? ›

If you have a lot of leftover pudding, it's best to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you have less leftover pudding, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can you substitute vanilla wafers in banana pudding? ›

It's worth trying to find vanilla wafers — their mild flavor and crunchy texture is ideal for this dessert. However, if you're unable to source them, you can substitute with shortbread cookies, ladyfingers (also known as Savoiardi cookies), or animal crackers.

What happens if you use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? ›

For the most part, if you find yourself without condensed milk on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of evaporated milk. The consistency will be the same, but since evaporated milk is unsweetened, you'll need to add sweetener to match the recipe's intended flavor profile or to suit your personal preference.

What can I add to instant pudding to make it taste better? ›

Fresh Fruit: Add fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, bananas, or sliced kiwi to your pudding. The natural sweetness and texture of the fruit can complement the creamy pudding. Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as toasted almonds or pecans, can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to your pudding.

What milk is better for pudding? ›

There are several alternative options you can use instead, such as: Reduced-fat milk: You can use reduced-fat milk instead of full-fat milk to reduce the amount of fat in the pudding. Non-dairy milk: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can use almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk.

How ripe should my bananas be for banana pudding? ›

You want your bananas ripe, but not browning too much (like you'd look for in banana bread). Choose bananas that are slightly ripe; yellow with little brown specks. Lemon juice. The best way to avoid brown bananas is to toss them in a a little bit of lemon juice before laying them on top of the Nilla wafers.

What does putting aluminum foil on bananas do? ›

Cover the stem ends of each banana with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to reduce the release of ethylene gas. Bananas release high amounts of ethylene gas, which accelerates the proces of browning. Thus, to slow it down, separate the bananas from the bunch and then store them.

Can dogs eat bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Is it OK to make banana pudding the night before? ›

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The banana pudding can be assembled (except for the crushed cookie topping) up to 12 hours before serving. Leftover banana pudding will last a few extra days. The bananas may brown a little once they're exposed to air, but it will still be delicious.

Why is my banana pudding runny the next day? ›

Pudding that has been stored for too long will not feel fresh anymore and start to runny. Therefore, do not let the pudding stay in the refrigerator for days so that it does not runny.

What does banana pudding contain? ›

Banana Pudding Ingredients

cornstarch: This is used to thicken the pudding. whole milk, warm: The base for the homemade pudding. unsalted butter: This makes the pudding silky smooth! vanilla extract: Now is the time to break out your fancy-schmancy vanilla extract!

What is banana cream pudding made of? ›

Directions. Scald milk, in a large sauce pot, with a pinch of the sugar (this avoids scorching the bottom of the pot). In a mixing bowl, add egg yolks, banana extract, bourbon and 2 cups of sugar and whisk together until the mixture is pale yellow in color and thickened. Add cornstarch and mix to combine.

Does Patti Labelle make a banana pudding? ›

However, This was NOT the case with Patti's Banana Pudding! Chile' let me tell you, Patti did her thing with this banana pudding! It is freaking amazing, and it's unlike anything that I have ever bought from a store! It's creamy rich banana pudding, mousse, and vanilla wafers is unbelievable.

Is Walmart banana pudding good? ›

Product details. This Walmart Deli Signature Banana Pudding is an excellent choice for people who enjoy sweet treats. This classically delicious dessert is ideal for potlucks, parties and to enjoy after everyday meals.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 6185

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.