By Paula Deen’s ‘Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Paula Deen’s ‘Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding captures the essence of desserts|cookies & biscuits while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Paula Deen’s ‘Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies (or another butter cookie)
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 oz) box instant French vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
PREPARATION STEPS
Layer Cookies: Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with one bag of Chessmen cookies.
Add Bananas: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the top of the cookies.
Prepare Pudding: In a mixing bowl, combine the milk and instant pudding mix. Blend with a whisk or hand mixer until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In another large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble the Pudding: Pour the cream mixture over the bananas and cookies in the baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Top with Cookies: Place the second bag of Chessmen cookies over the top of the pudding, arranging them evenly.
Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly.
Serve: Slice and serve chilled.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
