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Paula Deen Banana Pudding Recipe

Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding (Viral 2025 Version)

This no-bake banana pudding is a viral twist on Paula Deen’s Southern classic—made with creamy whipped layers, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and buttery Chessmen cookies. Ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for parties, potlucks, or nostalgic cravings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dessert, No-Bake Recipes
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1.5 cups Cold water
  • box (5 oz) Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups Whipped topping or heavy cream
  • package (8 oz) Cream cheese
  • box Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
  • 4 whole Ripe bananas

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric hand mixer
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Make the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk with cold water until smooth. Add the pudding mix and beat for 2 minutes until thickened. Chill for 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Cream Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping or whipped cream until light and fluffy.
  3. Combine Layers: Mix the chilled pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until fully incorporated and smooth.
  4. Layer the Dish: Line the bottom of a 9x13 glass dish with a layer of Chessmen cookies. Add sliced bananas evenly on top of the cookies.
  5. Add Creamy Mixture: Spread the pudding-cream mixture over the banana and cookie layer.
  6. Top It Off: Add a final layer of Chessmen cookies on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix.
  • Best served cold; ideal for make-ahead entertaining.
  • You can substitute Chessmen cookies with Nilla Wafers in a pinch, but the original flavor relies on that buttery cookie crunch.
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