Indulge in Comfort with Paula Deen's "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding"

Paula Deen, renowned for her Southern charm and delectable recipes, offers a delightful twist on the classic banana pudding with her famous "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding." This beloved dessert is a testament to comfort food at its finest, featuring layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and a decadent whipped topping. In this guide, we'll delve into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for recreating Paula Deen's iconic banana pudding in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Paula Deen's "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding"

To replicate Paula Deen's signature banana pudding, gather the following ingredients:

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 ripe bananas, sliced
2 cups whole milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding mix
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Fresh lemon juice (to prevent browning of bananas)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Slice Bananas:

Start by slicing 6 to 8 ripe bananas into thin rounds.
Drizzle the banana slices with fresh lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

paula deens not yo mamas banana pudding

Prepare Pudding Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups whole milk and the instant French vanilla pudding mix.
Whisk until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens.

Beat Cream Cheese Mixture:

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, continuing to beat until well combined.

Fold in Whipped Topping:

Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.

2. Assemble the Banana Pudding

Layer Chessmen Cookies:

Arrange a layer of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Add Sliced Bananas:

Place a layer of sliced bananas over the cookies.

Pour Pudding Mixture:

Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly.

Repeat Layers:

Repeat the layering process, starting with another layer of cookies, followed by bananas, and then pudding mixture, until all ingredients are used.

3. Chill and Serve

Chill Banana Pudding:

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once chilled, serve Paula Deen's "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding" chilled, with additional Chessmen cookies for garnish if desired.

paula deens not yo mamas banana pudding

Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding

Use Ripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are ripe but not overly mushy for the best flavor and texture.
Layering Technique: Take care to layer the cookies, bananas, and pudding mixture evenly for a balanced dessert.
Refrigeration Time: Allow the banana pudding to chill for an adequate amount of time to set and develop its flavors.
Garnish Options: Get creative with garnishes by adding whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Paula Deen's "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding" is a timeless Southern dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. With its layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crisp Chessmen cookies, this indulgent treat is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow this guide to recreate Paula Deen's iconic banana pudding recipe and experience the comfort and satisfaction of this beloved dessert firsthand.