Decadent Southern-Style Banana Pudding Delight
Indulge in a delicious twist on a classic dessert with this Decadent Southern-Style Banana Pudding Delight! This creamy and rich pudding is layered with velvety bananas and irresistible Chessmen cookies for an unforgettable treat. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dessert is sure to please a crowd. With a smooth blend of sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and cream cheese, this recipe brings a comfort-food favorite to life with every heavenly spoonful. Serve chilled for the ultimate taste experience!
12
Servings
243
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen whipped topping
1 (12 ounce container, thawed)
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce can)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce package, softened (light OK))
Milk
2 (cups)
French vanilla instant pudding
1 (5 ounce box)
Bananas
6-8 (sliced)
Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies
2 (8 ounce bags)
Instructions
1
Start by lining the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch dish with one bag of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies, arranging them evenly.
2
Slice the bananas and layer them generously over the cookies, ensuring an even distribution.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the milk and French vanilla instant pudding mix. Using a handheld electric mixer, blend together until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
4
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together using a spatula or mixer until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.
5
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, creating a light and airy texture.
6
Pour the combined pudding and cream cheese mixture over the cookie and banana layers, spreading it evenly for maximum coverage.
7
Crumble the remaining bag of Chessmen cookies on top of the pudding layer for added crunch and decoration.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
9
Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor in each spoonful!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
31g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Banana Pudding Southern-style?
This recipe is considered Southern-style because it uses a rich, creamy base of cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, paired with buttery shortbread Chessmen cookies instead of standard wafers.
What type of cookies are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce bags of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies.
How many bananas do I need?
You will need between 6 and 8 bananas, which should be sliced before layering.
What kind of pudding mix is required?
You should use one 5-ounce box of French vanilla instant pudding mix.
Can I use light cream cheese for this dessert?
Yes, the recipe specifies that one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese is needed, and using a light version is perfectly acceptable.
What size baking dish should I use?
This recipe is designed to fit a 13x9x2-inch dish.
How long does the pudding need to refrigerate?
The dessert should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though letting it set overnight is recommended for the best flavor meld.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
Yes, this is a no-bake recipe that only requires mixing and layering, making it a great option for warm weather.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 243 calories in one serving of this banana pudding.
How do I prepare the frozen whipped topping?
You should use a 12-ounce container of frozen whipped topping that has been fully thawed before starting the recipe.
Should I use an electric mixer?
Yes, a handheld electric mixer is recommended to blend the milk and pudding mix, as well as for ensuring the cream cheese and condensed milk are lump-free.
How are the cookies layered in the dish?
One full bag of cookies is used to line the bottom of the dish, while the second bag is crumbled over the top for decoration and crunch.
Can I use regular vanilla pudding instead of French vanilla?
While French vanilla is suggested for a richer taste, you can substitute it with standard vanilla instant pudding if necessary.
How do I ensure the cream cheese mixture is smooth?
Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing it with the sweetened condensed milk to prevent lumps.
Can this be made in advance?
Absolutely. Making it the night before allows the cookies to soften slightly and the flavors to fully develop.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this banana pudding?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains approximately 31 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the first step in assembling the pudding?
The first step is to line the bottom of your 13x9 dish with one bag of Chessmen cookies arranged evenly.
How should the bananas be layered?
Slice the bananas and layer them generously and evenly over the bottom layer of cookies.
When do I fold in the whipped topping?
The thawed whipped topping is folded into the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk mixture after they have been blended smooth.
Do I need to cover the dish while it refrigerates?
Yes, you should cover the dish with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator to set.
Can I use more or fewer bananas?
The recipe suggests 6-8 bananas, but you can adjust this slightly depending on the size of the bananas and your personal preference.
How much milk is needed for the pudding?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk to be blended with the instant pudding mix.
Is this dessert served warm or cold?
This dessert is served chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.
How do I finish the top of the pudding?
Crumble the second bag of Chessmen cookies over the top pudding layer to add crunch and a decorative finish.
How long should I blend the pudding and milk?
Using a handheld electric mixer, blend the milk and pudding for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, its rich profile and 12-serving yield make it a popular choice for parties and family dinners.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
One 8-ounce package of cream cheese should be softened at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.