Chessman Banana Pudding

Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love Chessmen Banana Pudding
2. Paula Deen Chessmen Banana Pudding ingredients
3. How to make Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies
4. Chessman Cookie Banana Pudding Substitutions & Additions
5. How To Serve Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding
6. Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe Storage
7. Not Yo Mamas Banana Pudding FAQs
8. More Recipes You’ll Love
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

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

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

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.

Chessman Cookie Banana Pudding Substitutions & 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.

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.

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.

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.

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