Cozy Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe for Dessert Magic

Banana pudding stands as a beloved Southern delicacy that Paula Deen elevates to mouthwatering perfection.

Silky smooth layers meld creamy richness with sweet, comforting flavors that transport you to grandma’s kitchen.

Delicate vanilla wafers cradle soft, ripe bananas in a dance of textures that melts on your tongue.

Every spoonful whispers stories of family gatherings and cherished traditions.

Luscious and decadent, this dessert transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that feels like an embrace.

The pudding’s magic lies in its effortless elegance and soul-warming charm.

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that promises pure Southern bliss with each heavenly bite.

Serving Banana Pudding Just Like Paula Does

• Garnish with Banana Slices: Sprinkle fresh banana rounds on top for a vibrant, fruity touch that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
• Create Cookie Crumble Topping: Crush a few extra chessmen cookies and sprinkle the crumbs over the dessert for a delightful crunchy texture.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add a luxurious golden stream of caramel over each serving to enhance the dessert's rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Pair with Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream to add an extra layer of creamy indulgence and elegance.

How to Chill, Store & Serve Pudding the Next Day

• Preserve Dessert Freshness: Store the banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeps perfectly for 3-4 days without losing its delightful creamy texture.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Can be frozen up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Smart Serving Tips: Always use a clean, dry utensil when scooping to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid leaving the dessert at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Portioning Wisdom: Cut dessert into individual servings before storing. This prevents repeatedly disturbing the entire dish and maintains the beautiful layered appearance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients in Paula Deen’s Famous Banana Pudding

• Chessmen Cookies: Choose crisp, high-quality cookies for a buttery, rich foundation.
• Ripe Bananas: Select golden, soft bananas with minimal brown spots for natural sweetness.

• Cold Milk: Use fresh, whole milk for richer pudding consistency.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Pick a premium brand for smooth, consistent texture.
• Cream Cheese: Select full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for optimal creaminess.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Opt for a high-quality brand with rich, caramelized undertones.
• Whipped Topping: Choose a thawed, stabilized whipped cream for light, airy structure.

• Additional Chessmen Cookies: Use to create a decorative, crunchy layer on top of the dessert.

Tools for That Creamy Banana Pudding

• 13x9x2-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and presenting the dessert.
• Handheld mixer: Essential for creating smooth, lump-free pudding and cream cheese blend.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk.
• Electric mixer: Ensures creamy, well-mixed ingredients without any lumps.
• Plastic wrap: Helps cover and protect the dessert while chilling.
• Knife: Great for slicing bananas into even layers.
• Spatula: Helps spread mixtures evenly and fold ingredients gently.

Prepare Banana Pudding with Paula’s Signature Method

• Create Cookie Foundation

Arrange chessmen cookies across the bottom of a baking dish, forming a crisp base. Layer sliced ripe bananas evenly over the cookies, creating a soft fruity cushion.

• Whip Creamy Pudding

Blend vanilla pudding mix with cold milk using a handheld mixer until silky and smooth. Ensure no lumps remain for a perfect texture.

• Craft Cheese Mixture

Beat softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth. The mixture should feel light and velvety when touched.

• Merge Dreamy Layers

Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese blend, maintaining a delicate airiness. Carefully incorporate this mixture with the pudding, creating a luscious combined layer.

• Assemble Decadent Dessert

Pour the creamy mixture over the banana and cookie base, spreading evenly across the dish. Sprinkle remaining chessmen cookies on top for a delightful crunch.

• Chill and Savor

Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. The cooling time allows flavors to dance and meld together, creating a heavenly treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Sweet Tips for Banana Pudding Success

Mix up this classic dessert with creative twists that will make your taste buds dance.

Replace vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for a rich, decadent flavor profile that chocolate fans will adore.

Sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted almonds between layers to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth to each bite.

Swap bananas with fresh strawberries or mixed berries during summer months for a vibrant, fruity variation that feels light and refreshing.

Drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top to transport your dessert to a tropical paradise with minimal effort.

Indulgent Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy southern classic Paula Deen banana pudding combines vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and silky pudding layers. Rich dessert delights with its nostalgic charm and comforting southern hospitality you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 2 bags chessmen cookies
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 1 (12 oz/340 g) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (8 oz/227 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz/397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (5 oz/142 g) box instant French vanilla pudding mix

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Instructions

1. Layer Foundation: Construct a uniform base using chessmen cookies across the entire bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, creating a crisp and stable platform.
2. Banana Placement: Generously distribute fresh banana slices over the cookie layer, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Pudding Preparation: Employ an electric mixer to blend whole milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency with a vibrant texture.
4. Cream Cheese Fusion: Utilize an electric mixer to combine softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, whipping until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.
5. Topping Integration: Delicately fold thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese blend, maintaining a light and airy structure while ensuring thorough incorporation.
6. Final Mixture: Carefully merge the prepared pudding mixture with the cream cheese blend, creating a harmonious and creamy filling with gentle stirring motions.
7. Assembly and Finishing: Pour the combined mixture over the banana and cookie base, spreading evenly with a spatula and topping with remaining chessmen cookies for an elegant presentation.
8. Chilling Process: Securely wrap the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely before serving.

Notes

• Precise Cookie Placement: Arrange chessmen cookies in a tight, uniform pattern to create a sturdy, even base that supports the entire dessert structure.
• Banana Ripeness Matters: Select perfectly ripe bananas with minimal brown spots for the best flavor and texture, avoiding overly soft or green fruit.
• Mixing Technique: Use gentle folding motions when combining cream cheese and whipped topping to maintain a light, airy consistency that prevents deflating the mixture.
• Chilling is Crucial: Allow minimum 2-hour refrigeration to let flavors fully develop and ensure the pudding sets into a creamy, cohesive dessert that slices cleanly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg