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Chessmen Banana Pudding

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close up shot of a slice of chessmen banana pudding on a spatula
Creamy, decadent, and irresistible, this homemade classic chessmen banana pudding is a delicious, rich dessert you'll love!
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Table of Contents
  1. CHESSMEN BANANA PUDDING INGREDIENTS
  2. HOW TO MAKE THIS CHESSMEN BANANA PUDDING RECIPE
  3. HOW TO SERVE
  4. STORAGE
  5. MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
  6. JUMP TO RECIPE

This chessmen banana pudding recipe is a fun twist on a classic treat. Instead of vanilla wafers, this version, a la Paula Deen, uses Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies on top of fresh bananas and the best banana pudding recipe for a sweet, crunchy, (and fun!) dessert.

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If you love creamy banana pudding, our banana pudding cake and banana split cake will also be your new favorites.

close up shot of a slice of chessmen banana pudding on a spatula

CHESSMEN BANANA PUDDING INGREDIENTS

chessmen banana pudding raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
  • 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
  • 6-8 bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

PUDDING: If you can’t find French vanilla pudding, plain vanilla pudding is a close substitute. For a creamier version, add ½ French vanilla pudding and ½ cheesecake pudding (it’s decadent)!

STRAWBERRIES: Add a layer of thinly sliced strawberries on top of your layer of bananas for a pop of color and some extra sweet, fruity flavor.

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHESSMEN BANANA PUDDING RECIPE

STEP ONE: Using a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, line bottom of the pan with one bag of cookies.

PRO TIP:

If there are any broken cookies in your bag, use them here! Save all of the prettiest cookies for the top of your pudding.

STEP TWO: Layer the banana slices over the top of the layer of cookies.

chessmen banana pudding process shot of sliced bananas layer over cookies in a baking dish

STEP THREE: In a large bowl, combine the milk and instant pudding mix using a hand mixer. Mix for about 5 minutes, until it starts to get thick. 

chessmen banana pudding process shot of ingredients being whisked together in a bowl

STEP FOUR: In another large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with the mixer until smooth.

PRO TIP:

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, otherwise, you may end up with lumps in your mixture.

chessmen banana pudding process shot of ingredients being whisked together in a bowl

STEP FIVE: Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.

STEP SIX: Then add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.

chessmen banana pudding process shot of ingredients in a bowl

STEP SEVEN: Pour the combined mixture over the top of the sliced bananas and cookies.

chessmen banana pudding process shot of ingredients being poured on top of bananas

STEP EIGHT: Then, place the rest of the cookies on top of this mixture. Carefully cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until ready to serve.

PRO TIP:

Make sure you don’t skip the chilling step. It’s important to give your dessert time to let all the flavors mingle and soften the cookies slightly.

chessmen banana pudding process shot of dish completed in a baking pan

HOW TO SERVE

This amazing no-bake dessert will be a huge hit with its fun chessmen on top. If you are looking for an extra indulgent dessert, why not add a scoop of our no-churn vanilla ice cream on top?

STORAGE

IN THE FRIDGE: If you need to make this delicious dessert ahead of time or store your leftovers, it will keep in the fridge in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for 2 to 3 days.

IN THE FREEZER: It’s not recommended to freeze your chessmen banana pudding because the bananas won’t hold up well in the freezer and thawing it can make the texture soggy.

close up shot of a slice of chessmen banana pudding on a plate

This chessmen banana pudding has everything that you want in a dessert: it’s easy to make, has decadently sweet banana flavor, and is pretty to look at.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I keep bananas from turning brown?

To keep your bananas from turning brown, spritz them with a bit of lemon or lime juice.

How long will the banana pudding keep in the fridge?

This no-bake banana pudding will keep in the fridge for up to four days. The only thing you will want to keep in mind is that the bananas will start to turn brown unless you spray them with lemon juice before layering them in the dish.

I can’t find Chessmen cookies, can I substitute them for another type of cookie?

Part of the charm of this dessert is the designs on the cookie. If you are able to find another similar vanilla wafer with fun designs, you could use those. If all else fails, you can use Nilla wafers in place of the Chessmen cookies.

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close up shot of a slice of chessmen banana pudding on a spatula

Chessmen Banana Pudding

5 from 35 votes
Creamy, decadent, and irresistible, this homemade classic chessmen banana pudding is a delicious, rich dessert you'll love!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 12 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
  • 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
  • 6 to 8 bananas sliced
  • 2 cups milk
  • 5 ounces instant French vanilla Pudding
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened

Instructions
 

  • Using a 9 x 13 pan layer the bottom of the pan with one bag of cookies (use any broken ones for the bottom).
  • Layer the sliced bananas over the top of the cookies.
  • In a large bowl combine the milk and pudding mix using an electric mixer, about 5 minutes until it starts to get thick.
  • In another large bowl combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with the mixer 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 or you could use the mixer you were already using!
  • Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas.
  • Place the remaining cookies on top of this mixture.
  • Carefully cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until ready to serve. Can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight.

Notes

TIP: If there are any broken cookies in your bag, use them on the bottom. Save all of the prettiest cookies for the top of your pudding.
TIP: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, otherwise, you may end up with lumps in your mixture.
TIP: Make sure you don’t skip the chilling step. It’s important to give your dessert time to let all the flavors mingle and soften the cookies slightly.

Nutrition

Calories: 733kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 609mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 531IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 208mg | Iron: 2mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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  1. Cassie says

    5 stars
    Yes I have made banana pudding before ,no to adding strawberries,yes to chessman cookies on top,yes to chocolate sauce before serving..thank you for sharing all you wonderful recipes.

  2. Georgia says

    Yes I have made banana pudding before. I used vanilla wafers (the old standard) but I would try something new. I think I would make two pans and try one without strawberries and the other one with them to see which I liked the best. Same goes for the chocolate, maybe just try one serving with it the first time.
    Thanks for all the grear recipes.

  3. Yorlondia Raleigh says

    5 stars
    My niece madeba banana pudding for Easter dessert . She used the Chessmen cookies insteadbof vanilla wafers, and instant pudding, top it with cool whip. It was so delicious. It tasted home made. She says she followed the.recipe off the chessman cookie bag.

  4. Jeffrey Wellington says

    5 stars
    I made this recipe last memorial weekend. (2022) It is now one of the most requested summer desserts. Easy to make and more fun to eat.

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