Paula Deen’s Twist on Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

Paula Deen’s not yo’ mama’s banana pudding unleashes a flavor revolution that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Southern culinary magic transforms this classic dessert into an extraordinary experience of creamy decadence.

Layers of silky custard and ripe bananas create a symphonic blend that sings comfort and innovation.

Crisp vanilla wafers provide a delightful crunch against smooth, rich textures that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Each spoonful carries whispers of cherished family recipes and warm kitchen memories.

Soft bananas and luxurious cream weave together a dessert that defies ordinary expectations.

This spectacular pudding promises to become your new obsession, beckoning you to indulge in its irresistible charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

• Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Select crisp, fresh cookies with a buttery aroma that will provide a delightful crunch.
• Ripe Bananas: Choose golden-yellow bananas with small brown speckles, indicating peak sweetness and perfect texture.

• Cold Milk, Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Pick high-quality pudding mix with rich vanilla notes; whole milk enhances creaminess.
• Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and richer flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Look for smooth, thick consistency without crystallization for perfect sweetness.
• Whipped Topping: Select fresh, stable whipped cream that holds its structure and adds light, airy texture.

• Additional Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Choose crunchy, golden cookies to create a delectable decorative layer that adds textural contrast.

Tools You’ll Need for Banana Pudding

• 13x9x2-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and assembling the dessert.
• Handheld electric mixer: Essential for blending pudding mix and creating smooth consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: Used for combining pudding mix and creating creamy base.
• Separate large bowl: Needed for whipping cream cheese mixture.
• Spatula: Helps fold whipped topping and spread layers evenly.
• Knife: For slicing bananas into uniform layers.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Refrigerator: Crucial for chilling and setting the dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

• Build the Flavor Foundation

Crush vanilla wafers and create a delightful base in a baking dish. Gently layer sliced bananas over the cookie crumble, creating a sweet and textured bottom.

• Mix the Creamy Pudding

Whip together pudding mix and milk until silky smooth, eliminating any stubborn lumps. The mixture should transform into a velvety consistency that promises deliciousness.

• Prepare the Dreamy Filling

Blend cream cheese and condensed milk until they become a luxurious, cloudlike mixture. Fold in whipped topping to create an airy, decadent filling that will make taste buds dance.

• Assemble the Delectable Layers

Pour the creamy pudding mixture over the banana and cookie base. Spread evenly, ensuring each spoonful will be a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

• Chill and Savor

Crown the dessert with a sprinkle of additional wafer crumbs. Tuck the dish into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle and intensify for several hours. When ready, each bite will be a celebration of creamy, sweet indulgence.

Tips and Creative Twists for Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding

Replace vanilla wafers with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a unique crunch and flavor twist.

Mix in fresh strawberries or blueberries alongside bananas to add vibrant color and extra nutrition.

Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed pecans on top for added texture and rich, nutty undertones.

Use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix to create a healthier version without sacrificing delicious taste.

Serving Suggestions for Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

• Serve Chilled Comfort
• Refrigerate the dessert for a refreshing, cool treat that melts in your mouth. Pull it straight from the fridge and enjoy its creamy, chilled goodness right away.
• Garnish with Flair
• Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or fresh banana slices on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. Add a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch.
• Perfect Party Presentation
• Cut into neat squares for easy serving at gatherings or potlucks. Use a sharp knife and clean each slice carefully to maintain the beautiful layered look.
• Weekend Brunch Delight
• Pair this creamy dessert with morning coffee or as a sweet ending to a weekend brunch. Its rich texture and comforting flavors make it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.

How to Store and Plan Ahead with Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store this banana pudding dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Optimal Chilling Strategy: Keep the dessert chilled for 4-6 hours before serving to ensure the layers set perfectly and flavors meld beautifully.
• Smart Ingredient Longevity: Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality, checking for any signs of separation or moisture buildup.
• Safe Storage Technique: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors and maintain its delicate creamy consistency.

Creamy Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Paula’s classic banana pudding combines creamy layers of pudding, crisp vanilla wafers, and ripe bananas for a Southern dessert that delights guests. Chilled and sweet, this nostalgic treat offers comfort with each spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 2 bags chessmen cookies
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz/397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz/340 g) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
• 1 (5 oz/142 g) box instant French vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups milk

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Instructions

1. Cookie Foundation: Layer vanilla wafer cookies uniformly across the entire bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking dish, ensuring complete base coverage.
2. Banana Preparation: Distribute sliced ripe bananas across the cookie layer, slightly overlapping to create a lush fruit landscape.
3. Pudding Fusion: Whisk milk and instant vanilla pudding mix using an electric mixer until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then blend softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
4. Cream Integration: Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining its airy structure and creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
5. Assembly Technique: Pour the blended pudding mixture over the banana-cookie base, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate potential air pockets.
6. Decorative Topping: Artfully arrange remaining vanilla wafer cookies across the pudding surface, creating an elegant, slightly overlapping pattern.
7. Chilling Protocol: Refrigerate the dessert for 3-4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a perfectly set, chilled consistency.

Notes

• Banana Selection: Choose perfectly ripe, yellow bananas without brown spots for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are firm but not hard.
• Chilling Technique: Allow minimum 4 hours refrigeration to develop deep, rich flavors and achieve a perfect creamy consistency that allows cookies to soften naturally.
• Mixing Precision: Blend cream cheese and condensed milk thoroughly to prevent lumpy texture, using room temperature ingredients for smoother integration.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert one day in advance for maximum flavor development and easier serving, as the pudding tastes even better after overnight chilling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg