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Bananas Desserts
4.6 from 42 votes

Banana Pudding

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •10/10/22 26 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for banana pudding.

This Banana Pudding knows no bounds when it comes to comforting, flavorful decadence. Creamy, luscious pudding and fresh bananas all layered between crisp, golden chessman cookies. This dessert is so much more than your average pudding!

banana pudding in a pan with a portion taken out of it.

You know when you come across something that completely and pleasantly surprises you? That’s what this banana pudding did for me!

This recipe is genius. It reminds me of a Napoleon type dessert. It’s so good, words don’t do it justice. What I can tell you though, is that this pudding is right up there with sex in a Pan, my favorite pudding dessert! This is Paula Dean’s recipe, I love this woman. She’s insane, but who isn’t? Most recipes I make from her are top notch, and this pudding surely did not disappoint!

The Best Banana Pudding

  • Easy To Make
  • Simple Ingredient List
  • Delicious & Decadent Dessert
  • Not Your Average Pudding!

This dessert is extremely easy to make, the hardest part is waiting for the pudding to set! This isn’t your everyday, average pudding either. This dessert is out of bounds when it comes to flavor, decadence, creaminess. You name it, this banana pudding has it! If you’re trying to win someone over, serve them this.

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make banana pudding.
  • Chessman Cookies – Since I’m in Canada, I don’t usually see these in the stores, but I was able to easily find them on amazon.
  • Bananas – You’ll want about 4 ripe bananas, sliced.
  • Milk – Any type will do! Dairy or non dairy. I usually use less milk than what’s on the pudding box instructions, because I like a firmer pudding, but feel free to follow the instructions on the box completely.
  • Pudding – You can either use a box of instant vanilla pudding, or make your own using my homemade vanilla pudding recipe.
  • Cream Cheese – I prefer to use full fat for my cream cheese. Just make sure your cream cheese is softened and at room temperature.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk – This is going to add a nice hint of sweetness and make our banana pudding extra creamy.
  • Whipped Cream/Cool Whip: You can either use a couple cups of whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream!

How To Make Banana Pudding

process shots showing showing how to make filling for banana pudding.
  1. Prep: Line the bottom of a 8x8x2-inch baking dish with lady chessmen cookies. You should be able to get 5 across by 4 down, so 20 cookies per layer.
  2. Make Pudding: In a bowl, combine the milk, pudding mix and blend using a handheld electric mixer until smooth. Set aside and let it set.
  3. Mix & Combine: Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
  4. Assemble: Pour half the mixture over the first layer of the cookies then top with the sliced bananas. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture and spread evenly over the bananas. Finally top with another layer of chessman cookies.
  5. Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least a couple hours before serving.
process shots showing how to assemble banana pudding.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Use Bananas?

If you’re not a fan of bananas, you can absolutely swap them out for the fruit of your choice! Sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries etc., can all be used!

How To Serve

Obviously, this is delicious on its own, but feel free to drizzle chocolate sauce all over top to add even more decadence to this banana pudding! Bananas and chocolate are a match made in heaven. I truly struggle with not eating this straight out of the pan!

Can I Make My Own Pudding?

Absolutely! You can use either my homemade vanilla pudding, OR chocolate pudding recipes for this one! Just omit the milk and pudding mix and use your homemade pudding instead.

Can I Make This In Advance?

Yes! I would actually recommend making this dessert a day in advance so it has time to fully set! You can also freeze your banana pudding for up to 3 months. See u0022storing/freezingu0022 sections for full instructions.

a slice of banana pudding and a fork on a white plate.

Tips

  1. If you can’t find the Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies, vanilla wafers will work as well!
  2. The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for it to set! Make sure you let this chill for AT LEAST 2 hours so that everything has a chance to firm up and won’t be one big gloopy mess. Overnight would be even better!
  3. Feel free to mix up the layers in this and use your favorite types of pudding! You can use different combinations like butterscotch, chocolate, caramel etc.
overhead shot of banana pudding in a pan with a portion taken out of it.

Storing Banana Pudding

Store leftover banana pudding sealed tightly in an airtight container or covered in aluminum foil, or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing

To keep your banana pudding for longer, wrap the pan tightly in a layer of plastic wrap AND aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for 3 months.

To thaw, store in the fridge overnight until ready to serve.

overhead shot of a slice of banana pudding on a white plate.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Strawberry Tiramisu Trifle
  • No Bake Banana Pudding Dessert
  • Rice Pudding
  • Homemade Vanilla Pudding
  • Coconut Rice Pudding
  • Instant Pot Rice Pudding

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

banana pudding in a pan with a portion taken out of it.
Print
4.60 from 42 votes

Banana Pudding

Prep 30 minutes
Chilling time 2 hours
Cook 0 minutes
Total 2 hours 30 minutes
Rate Recipe
This Banana Pudding knows no bounds when it comes to comforting, flavorful decadence. Creamy, luscious pudding and fresh bananas all layered between crisp, golden chessman cookies. This dessert is so much more than your average pudding!
10

Ingredients

  • 40 chessman cookies (about 2 packages)
  • 5 ounce instant vanilla pudding ((5 oz box))
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 8 ounce cream cheese (softened (1 package))
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk ((1 can))
  • 2 cups cool whip (or whipped cream)
  • 4 medium bananas (sliced)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Prep: Line the bottom of a 8x8x2-inch baking dish with lady chessmen cookies. You should be able to get 5 across by 4 down, so 20 cookies per layer.
  • Make Pudding: In a bowl, combine the milk, pudding mix and blend using a handheld electric mixer until smooth. Set aside and let it set.
  • Mix & Combine: Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
  • Assemble: Pour half the mixture over the first layer of the cookies then top with the sliced bananas. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture and spread evenly over the bananas. Finally top with another layer of chessman cookies.
  • Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least a couple hours before serving.

Equipment

  • 8-inch Square Cake Pan
  • KitchenAid Hand Mixer
  • Keep Calm And Bake On Spatula

Notes

  1. In the original recipe, the banana is layered over the first layer of cookies, however, I prefer my bananas in between layers of pudding. Totally up to you how you decide to layer your pudding.
  2. If you can’t find the Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies, vanilla wafers will work as well!
  3. The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for it to set! Make sure you let this chill for AT LEAST 2 hours so that everything has a chance to firm up and won’t be one big gloopy mess. Overnight would be even better!
  4. Feel free to mix up the layers in this and use your favorite types of pudding! You can use different combinations like butterscotch, chocolate, caramel etc.
  5. Store leftover banana pudding sealed tightly in an airtight container or covered in aluminum foil, or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  6. To keep your banana pudding for longer, wrap the pan tightly in a layer of plastic wrap AND aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for 3 months. To thaw, store in the fridge overnight until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 301kcal (15%)Carbohydrates: 50g (17%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Trans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mg (6%)Sodium: 322mg (14%)Potassium: 318mg (9%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 31g (34%)Vitamin A: 245IU (5%)Vitamin C: 4mg (5%)Calcium: 98mg (10%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Jo

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

banana pudding in a pan with a portion taken out of it.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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26 Comments
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Nicole
Nicole
Posted: 3 months ago

How ripe should my bananas be?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Nicole
Posted: 3 months ago

Ripe yellow bananas with a few dark spots should be just fine.

1
Reply
Blondie
Blondie
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Delicious! I have made this many times and recommend spreading some of the pudding mixture on the bottom of the baking dish before the layer of cookies.

1
Reply
KAREN BARRANS
KAREN BARRANS
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
My family loved it!
I made it for Easter and it was a hit!

1
Reply
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Reply to  KAREN BARRANS
Posted: 1 year ago

Wonderful! We are so glad you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
Cecile
Cecile
Posted: 1 year ago

So I just made this and it look SPECTACULAR! The chessman cookies are spring patterns this time of year and make the pudding extra festive for Easter. I used an 8×8″ pan and could only get one package (3 rows of four), three bananas and all but about a cup of the filling. Maybe I need a different pan. Can you tell me the brand you’re using?

1
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Cecile
Posted: 1 year ago

I’m using this one: https://amzn.to/3mg66vU
It’s got really square edges, maybe that’s why.

0
Reply
Cecile
Cecile
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 1 year ago

Thanks!

0
Reply
Annie
Annie
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
This was very very good and also beautiful using the Chessmen cookies. I couldn’t find a 50z vanilla pudding so I used a 3.50z and a 1-oz pack and worked fine. I also used only 3/4 of the sweetened condensed milk because I was afraid it was going to be really sweet. Easy to put together and very good.

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Reply to  Annie
Posted: 1 year ago

So happy you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
Donna
Donna
Posted: 2 years ago

I love the way you give options. I try to buy nothing commercial any more. Don’t always succeed but I try. Is there a sub for the sweet condensed milk?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Donna
Posted: 2 years ago

Since sweetened condensed milk goes through a certain process, there isn’t a ton of substitutes. However you can convert evaporated milk into condensed milk by adding sugar to it. For each cup of evaporated milk add about 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar. The heating of evaporated milk is similar to the treatment condensed milk undergoes, so the evaporated milk with sugar should be a perfect replacement.

0
Reply
Debra
Debra
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
You mentioned that you use less milk for firmer pudding. I would like to try this also, how much if a reduction would you recommend?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Debra
Posted: 2 years ago

Yeah, I used 1 1/2 cups as stated in the recipe, I believe the box says 2 cups, so if you use 1 1/2 cups it should be fine.

0
Reply
Mariel
Mariel
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Been making it for years. It’s called Not Your Momma’s banana pudding from Paula Deen.

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Mariel
Posted: 2 years ago

Correct, it is a recipe adapted from Paula! We love her!!

0
Reply
Peggy
Peggy
Posted: 2 years ago

Will just 1 recipe of your homemade vanilla pudding be enough to substitute for the 5 oz. instant vanilla pudding or do I need to make more. Haven’t made it yet but I know it’s a 5 star!. Thanks.

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Peggy
Posted: 2 years ago

Yes absolutely!

0
Reply
BETTY ELLIOTT
BETTY ELLIOTT
Posted: 6 years ago

5 stars
THIS IS ALWAYS A HIT AT EVENTS. BEEN MAKING THIS FOR YEARS. YUM

0
Reply
Jan Worthy
Jan Worthy
Posted: 6 years ago

I live in the uk, can you tell me what is Vanilla pudding and is there a subsistute I can use,
Thank you.

0
Reply
Fenne Kieken
Fenne Kieken
Reply to  Jan Worthy
Posted: 6 years ago

You could try custard I suppose

0
Reply
Dino Tartt
Dino Tartt
Posted: 8 years ago

I have making Paula’s “not your mamas banana pudding” since I saw her demo on the Food Network maybe over 10 years. My 44 and 41 year old sons request I make it for all holidays and any special event. It is sort of addictive!

0
Reply
FRED LEONARD
FRED LEONARD
Posted: 8 years ago

why do I have to print 10 page to get a 1 page recipe?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  FRED LEONARD
Posted: 8 years ago

You shouldn’t have to, please click on the print button under the image in the recipe, that will only print the recipe itself.

0
Reply
Judy
Judy
Posted: 9 years ago

Ooooooh. That sounds orgasmic! I think I can get sweetened thingy milk. I must tell you. When I don’t use a word it’s because I don’t remember it. This is happening to much lately and my memory. I can forget something the second it’s been said. Not good. Oh well. So if I can get it orgasmic cake coming up.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Judy
Posted: 9 years ago

I know what you mean, it happens to me sometimes too, I just blank out! Pathetic!

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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