Chessman Banana Pudding

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

Creamy, decadent, and irresistible, this homemade classic Chessman banana pudding is a delicious, rich dessert you'll love!

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Prep Time30

Total Time4 30

Servings

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Chessmen Banana Pudding
Paula Deen Chessmen Banana Pudding ingredients
How to make Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies
Chessman Cookie Banana Pudding Substitutions & Additions
How To Serve Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding
Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe Storage
Not Yo Mamas Banana Pudding FAQs
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This Chessman 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.

Why You’ll Love Chessmen Banana Pudding

Chessmen banana pudding is a delightful dessert that offers a combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many people.

Here are some reasons why you might love Chessmen banana pudding:

CREAMY AND LUSCIOUS: Chessmen banana pudding features layers of creamy, velvety pudding made with vanilla and fresh bananas. The smooth texture of the pudding provides a luxurious and indulgent experience with every bite.

DELICIOUS BANANA FLAVOR: This dessert showcases the natural sweetness and flavor of ripe bananas. The bananas add a fresh and fruity element to the pudding, complementing the richness of the cream and the buttery cookies.

PERFECT BALANCE OF SWEETNESS: Chessmen banana pudding strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess. The pudding is sweet but not overwhelmingly so, allowing the flavors of the bananas and other ingredients to shine through.

Paula Deen Chessmen Banana Pudding ingredients

chessmen banana pudding raw ingredients that are labeled

This recipe is a delightful blend of richness and fruity sweetness.

It features sweetened condensed milk, Cool Whip, and cream cheese for creaminess, while fresh banana slices and Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies provide a fruity and crunchy contrast.

The combination results in a dessert that’s both lusciously creamy and refreshingly sweet, making it a beloved choice for special occasions.

You’ll need:

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

What can I use instead of Chessman cookies?

Chessmen cookies are a type of buttery shortbread cookie. Using plain shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers can provide a similar buttery and slightly sweet flavor.

How to make Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies

Follow our step-by-step instructions for making the delectable layers of this tasty dessert.

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

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

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.

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 five minutes, until it starts to get thick.

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.

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.

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

pudding mixture being poured on top of bananas in a baking dish

STEP EIGHT: Then, place the rest of the cookies on top of this mixture. Carefully cover with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate at least four 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.

pudding mixture topped with cookies in a baking dish

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.

BANANAS: Feel free to explore various banana varieties like plantains or baby bananas for a twist.

Plantains will bring a slightly different flavor and a firmer texture, while baby bananas offer a sweeter and more compact alternative.

You can even mix and match banana types for a medley of flavors and textures.

PUDDING FLAVOR: While French vanilla pudding is a classic choice, you can introduce exciting flavors by opting for different pudding varieties.

Chocolate pudding will add a rich cocoa note, while butterscotch or banana-flavored pudding can enhance the banana essence even more.

TOPPINGS: Get creative with toppings by adding crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

You can also sprinkle a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a touch of warmth and depth.

How To Serve Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding

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?

Turn this dessert into a delightful breakfast option by layering it with Greek yogurt and granola. The creamy pudding pairs wonderfully with the tanginess of yogurt, and the granola adds a satisfying crunch.

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

MORE BANANA RECIPES

Pie Recipes

Banana Pudding Pie

Quick Breads

Banana Bread Pudding

Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe Storage

Now that you’ve whipped up a mouthwatering Chessman Banana Pudding, let’s talk about how to store it to keep those delightful flavors intact.

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, many fans of banana pudding believe it tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.

To do this, assemble the dessert as per the recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate.

The flavors will meld beautifully, and the cookies will become wonderfully tender.

Just remember to add any whipped cream or additional toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and fluffy.

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 two to three 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.

Should Banana Pudding Be Kept In The Fridge Or Freezer?

Refrigeration is the preferred method for storing banana pudding to maintain its taste, texture, and freshness.

Freezing is generally not recommended as it can negatively affect the overall quality of the dessert.

How Long Do Bananas Stay Fresh In Banana Pudding?

When using fresh bananas in banana pudding, it is best to enjoy the dessert within two to three days.

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

Not Yo Mamas Banana Pudding FAQs

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.

What can you put in bananas to keep them from turning brown in banana pudding?

Lemon juice is a common method used to slow down the browning process of bananas. The acidity in lemon juice helps slow browning. Before adding the sliced bananas to the pudding, toss them gently in a small amount of lemon juice to coat them evenly.

Why is my homemade banana pudding runny?

Overly ripe bananas will have a higher water content and may cause your pudding to be runny. Choose bananas that are just the right ripeness for the best results.

Can you eat banana pudding left out overnight?

It is generally not recommended to leave banana pudding out at room temperature overnight. Since the pudding contains perishable ingredients, including milk, it is not safe to consume if the dessert has not been stored in the fridge.

How Ripe Should Bananas Be For Banana Pudding?

The ideal ripeness of bananas for banana pudding depends on personal preference and the desired texture and flavor of the dessert.

Slightly underripe bananas will give you a firmer texture and a less pronounced banana flavor.

Most people prefer using ripe bananas for banana pudding as they offer a sweeter taste and a softer texture.

Overripe bananas, which have more brown spots and a softer texture, can also be used for banana pudding. These bananas are very sweet and have a more pronounced banana flavor.

How Ripe Is Too Ripe For Banana Pudding?

Using bananas that are overly soft and mushy may not be ideal for banana pudding, as it can result in a overly soft and mushy texture throughout the dessert.

Bananas with a dark brown or blackened skin may have a fermented taste and an unpleasant texture.

Overripe bananas can also develop a strong, fermented smell. If the bananas have an overpowering, off-putting odor, it’s an indication that they may be too ripe and not suitable for use in banana pudding.