Paula Deen has a unique spin on a classic Banana Pudding recipe. She serves up a French Vanilla pudding with cream cheese that is so rich and creamy. And it’s topped with Pepperidge Farm Chessman Butter cookies. How pretty! You must try this one.
Table of contents
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding with Chessmen Cookies Recipe
- 🔑 Key to Success #1 – Use Pepperidge Farm Chessman Butter Cookies
- 🔑 Key to Success #2 – Start With Softened Cream Cheese
- 🔑 Key to Success #3 – Use French Vanilla Pudding For Extra Rich Flavor
- 📌 Get the Printable Recipe for Chessman Banana Pudding
Have you ever tried Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies?
If you have, you know that one bite is never enough.
Despite its simplicity, this dessert is incredibly addictive and it’s hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).
But what is it about this classic Southern recipe that makes it so irresistible?
In this article, we will dive into the origins of banana pudding and Chessman cookies, uncover the secret ingredient that makes this dessert so addictive, and provide you with the keys to success for making the perfect batch.
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and discover the surprising ingredient that makes Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies so deliciously tempting.
This recipe for Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies is always a big hit at our family get-togethers.
We also have the recipe for our beloved Creamy Banana Pudding on the blog.
It’s been in our family for years.
The Creamy Banana Pudding has a much softer texture than this recipe and it uses traditional vanilla wafers rather than the Chessman cookies in this recipe.
You can’t go wrong with either recipe.
They are both unique and delicious in their own way.
Disclosure – I may get a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding with Chessmen Cookies Recipe
🔑 Key to Success #1 – Use Pepperidge Farm Chessman Butter Cookies
One of the things that set this banana pudding recipe apart from all the others is the pretty Chessman cookies that decorate the top of it.
It’s no secret that Paula Deen’s banana pudding with chessman cookies is a crowd favorite.
But what exactly makes it so addictive?
The answer lies in the combination of carefully selected ingredients, starting with the Pepperidge Farm Chessman Butter Cookies.
These cookies are an essential part of the recipe and add a unique texture and flavor that can’t be replicated by any other type of cookie.
The delicate buttery flavor and light crunch of the Chessman cookies perfectly complement the creamy pudding and fresh bananas.
So, if you want to recreate Paula Deen’s famous banana pudding with chessman cookies at home, be sure to start with the right cookies.
Once you have the right ingredients, the rest of the recipe is a breeze.
You can find these cookies in your local grocery store or they are available on Amazon.
You’ll need two of the 7-ounce (approx.) packages in this recipe.
Be sure to open up both packages of cookies to make sure none of them are broken.
It’s okay if some are broken.
Just put them on the bottom layer of your banana pudding.
Depending on your pan, you’ll probably need one whole bag of Chessman cookies for the top of your banana pudding.
I have a 9X13-inch Fiesta baking dish and it’s perfect for this banana pudding.
I can fit four Chessman cookies across the short side and 6 down the long side.
The Chessman cookies are not just for looks!
They also add a great buttery flavor to the banana pudding and they don’t get as soggy as traditional vanilla wafers.
🔑 Key to Success #2 – Start With Softened Cream Cheese
For many, the secret ingredient that makes Paula Deen’s banana pudding so addictive is the soft, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
And that’s where the softened cream cheese comes in.
Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding takes a detour from the traditional banana pudding recipe with the addition of 8 ounces of cream cheese.
The cream cheese in this recipe adds a nice richness to the pudding and makes it extra thick.
While some may think of cream cheese as a tangy spread for bagels, it’s essential in creating the perfect consistency for this dessert.
Using softened cream cheese allows it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a velvety pudding that’s not too thick or too runny.
To achieve the ideal texture, make sure to leave your cream cheese out at room temperature for at least an hour before starting the recipe.
This will ensure that it’s soft enough to mix easily without any lumps or chunks.
With the right cream cheese and the perfect amount of softness, your pudding will be a crowd-pleaser.
You’ll use a hand mixer to cream together the cream cheese and the sweetened condensed milk.
Next, you’ll add in the Cool Whip and mix until the mixture is smooth.
But we’re not done yet – in the next section, we’ll explore the key role that French vanilla pudding plays in making the dish taste sublime.
🔑 Key to Success #3 – Use French Vanilla Pudding For Extra Rich Flavor
French vanilla pudding is a key ingredient that makes Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies so addictive.
This underrated ingredient adds a layer of flavor and richness to the pudding that takes the dish to a whole new level.
The combination of rich French vanilla pudding and buttery Chessman cookies is a match made in heaven.
The light and creamy texture of the pudding pairs perfectly with the crunchy, sweet cookies, creating a delectable contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.
But that’s not all that makes this banana pudding recipe so irresistible.
The recipe’s simplicity and ease of preparation also make it a winner in the kitchen.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Another reason to love this banana pudding with Chessman cookies recipe is its versatility.
While it’s already a crowd-pleaser as is, you can easily personalize it to your liking by adding extra bananas, whipped cream, or even a touch of rum for an extra kick.
And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor.
For many of us, banana pudding is a dessert that we grew up with and holds a special place in our hearts.
With this recipe, you can recreate those fond memories and create new ones with your loved ones.
In conclusion, the combination of French vanilla pudding and Chessman cookies, the simplicity of the recipe, its versatility, and the nostalgia factor all make Paula Deen’s banana pudding a dessert that’s hard to resist.
Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s so addictive!
Paula Deen’s recipe calls for all the bananas to go right on top of the bottom crust.
I put half the bananas on top of the bottom cookie crust then half the pudding then repeat with the other half of the bananas and the other half of the pudding.
The French vanilla pudding mix is extra heavy on the vanilla flavor, which really sets this banana pudding apart from the rest.
When combined with the cream cheese mixture and whipped cream, the French vanilla pudding helps to bind the layers together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Its subtle sweetness balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds depth to the overall taste.
In short, the French vanilla pudding is the secret ingredient that makes this banana pudding recipe stand out from the pack.
It elevates the dish from a simple dessert to a gourmet indulgence that is sure to please any crowd.
The addition of French Vanilla pudding in this banana pudding recipe means the pudding is even richer than traditional banana pudding.
Mix your French Vanilla-flavored pudding mix together with the milk.
I use the “shake” method where I put the milk and pudding mix into a bowl with a tight-sealing lid and then shake it for two minutes until it starts to thicken.
Be sure to hold the lid on tight!
After the pudding sets up, stir it into the cream cheese mixture.
Now that we’ve explored the key role that French vanilla pudding plays in this recipe, let’s dive into why you’ll love it even more when paired with Chessman cookies.
📌 Get the Printable Recipe for Chessman Banana Pudding
Save Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding to your favorite Icebox Desserts board or your Banana Recipes board.
Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 bags 7 oz each Pepperidge Farm Chessman Butter Cookies
- 6-8 bananas sliced
- 1 pkg 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk
- 2 small boxes 3 oz each French Vanilla flavored Instant Pudding Mix
- 1 bowl 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 13X9-inch pan with Chessman cookies. Layer sliced bananas on top of the cookies.
- In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, cream together the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk, mixing well. Add in both boxes of pudding mix and blend for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is thick and smooth. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes until pudding is firm. Blend in Cool Whip until fully combined.
- Pour pudding mixture over bananas and top with remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
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Sharon
Thursday 24th of November 2022
This recipe is really good! However, instead of two French vanilla instant pudding packages, I used one French vanilla and one banana cream instant pudding package and OMG!!! What an delightful amazing taste, soooo good.
Lisa
Monday 21st of November 2022
I use Biscoff cookies instead of Chessman. I also add a little vanilla. I get rave reviews from family.
Kelley
Tuesday 16th of August 2022
Amazing. Delicious, creamy, rich, refreshing. We LOVE this recipe.