Description
This easy potluck dessert recipe is a classic southern church dessert. While it usually features fresh bananas layered in the creamy pudding mix, this recipe is completely banana free for anyone who has an allergy or strong aversion to banana flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 (7.25 oz) packages of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies or Nilla Wafers if you prefer
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5 oz) box Instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (12 oz) container of whipped topping like Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Place one package of Chessmen cookies on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish in a single layer. Reserve the second package for the top.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together with a hand mixer on medium speed until well combined, about 1 – 2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl periodically.
- Add the dry Instant pudding mix to the bowl along with the milk. Use the hand mixer to beat the ingredients together on medium-high speed until the pudding thickens and you can see ripples in the creamy mixture, about 2 minutes.
- Add the entire container of whipped topping to the mixing bowl and gently fold it in with a spatula. Be sure your whipped topping is completely thawed before you begin or it will not blend properly into the mixture.
- Gently spoon the pudding filling over the cookies in the baking dish. Smooth it out to an even layer making sure to get all the corners.
- Place the remaining Chessmen cookies over the top in a pretty pattern. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours before serving so the cookies can soften as they absorb the moisture from the pudding. This will give the cookie layer an almost cake-like consistency.
Notes
Make Ahead Tip
This banana free banana pudding tastes even better the next day. Simply chill the covered dessert in the fridge overnight.
Do not try to freeze the banana pudding, the texture will become runny as it thaws.
How to Add Bananas
If you’re a purist and absolutely require bananas in your banana pudding, you can slice 6 fresh bananas and add them in a single layer on top of the first package of Chessmen cookies. Top with the vanilla pudding mixture and finish the recipe as directed.
You could also substitute banana flavored pudding mix for the plain vanilla pudding if you want banana flavor without fresh bananas.
How to Be a Holiday Hero
If you’re bringing this banana pudding recipe to a special event, you could actually make 2 8×8-inch baking dishes with one batch worth of ingredients.
Just split everything into the two pans:
- Banana Pudding with NO Bananas
- Banana Pudding WITH Fresh Bananas: Just use 3 bananas
This gives your guests the option to go classic or finally be able to enjoy the dessert without bananas!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American