It’s no secret that I LOVE me some Paula Deen. There hasn’t been much of hers I’ve tried that I haven’t liked, so it’s really no surprise that I fell head over heels for her version of banana pudding. I found this recipe about 5 years ago and I’ve been makin’ it ever since. This is the ONLY way I can eat it now!!! Spoiled!!! If you haven’t tried this version yet, you MUST!!!! This is definitely the BEST!!! Not at all like momma used to make it!!!
NOT YO’ MAMA’S BANANA PUDDING
4 bananas, sliced
3 cups milk
1 box Nilla Wafers
2 small boxes instant FRENCH vanilla pudding
1 {8 oz.} pkg. cream cheese
1 {14oz.} can sweetened condensed milk
1 {12 oz.} container Cool Whip
**You can find the original recipe HERE. The recipe above is tweaked just a bit and I LOVE it! BUT…you might wanna give Paula’s original a try, too :)**
So, lemme guess…I had you at cream cheese, right?! HA! Seriously get ready to salivate because this is GOOD.
Line the bottom of a 9x13 with Nilla Wafers. {The original recipe called for Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies. It tasted really good with the Chessmen cookies, I just prefer the Nilla Wafers :)}
Slice your bananas and layer evenly on top of the wafers. The original recipe called for 6-8 bananas and when I first made it, I think I used about that much. I personally don’t like A TON of bananas in my banana pudding {I know, weird}. I think four is the magic number…not too many, not too few. Just PERFECT :)
Combine the milk and pudding mix and blend using a handheld mixer. I’ve found that using the two small boxes & the 3 cups of milk makes an awesome consistency for the pudding. It sets just PERFECTLY!
In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese & condensed milk until smooth. Gradually fold in whipped cream.
Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mix & stir until well blended.
Pour the mix evenly over the bananas. OMG…SO YUMMY!!!
But wait!!..
Layer the remaining Nilla Wafers on top of the mix to top it all off!!!
Looks heavenly, right?! That would be an understatement!!! I made this the weekend my family came to visit and it was a HIT! We practically licked the pan clean! This is the perfect dessert to bring to your next summer bash. It’ll be the hit of the party…I promise!!
gonna add this to my list of things to try...sounds like it will be delish!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am definitely making this this summer!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect recipe for Fourth of July in Michigan!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you guys! XO
I'm going to the store tomorrow to get all the stuff to make this. My husband's favorite dessert is banana pudding so I can't wait to make this!!! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeletecan you please tell me what type of biscuit a nilla biscuit is (i live in australia and would like to find an alternative). This looks so yummy but need to know if the biscuit is sweet or flavoured etc. thanks heaps, Suzanne.
ReplyDeleteA vanilla wafer :-)
DeleteA vanilla wafer :-)
DeleteA vanilla wafer :-)
DeleteA vanilla wafer :-)
DeleteNeed a printable link to your version of this recipe!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! ;)
I just made this tonight and will be taking it with us tomorrow for Thanksgiving. I ended up using 6 bananas but I can already tell it's going to be amazing! So glad I found this recipe.
ReplyDeleteI found your recipe on Pinterest this summer. I'm so glad I pinned it! I took it to a family gathering today and everyone loved it! Thank you :o)
ReplyDeleteI made this for Thanksgiving brunch and it was delicious!! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI was afraid the sweetened condensed milk would make it too sweet so I used 8 oz cream cheese and softened in microwave for 30 sec. and put into blender with 1 cup milk to smooth....added 3 more cups milk and whisked in 3- 3.5 oz dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Added 8-12 oz cool whip and layered it with wafers and bananas. HEAVEN!!
ReplyDeletei'm going to try that. i don't want it to sweet. thanks
DeleteI can't wait to try this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this recipe! I can't wait to take it to my family Christmas party tomorrow!
ReplyDeletehow much do you mean when you say "small" boxes of french vanilla pudding?
ReplyDelete@Kati...the 3 oz. boxes :)
ReplyDeleteI made this last night... without the bananas because... I don't like bananas, lol! It was AWESOME! I provided optional bananas for those who wanted to slice them over the dessert. It was a hit! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone made this the night before? I was wondering how the bananas would hold up. Also, how long does it need to "set?"
ReplyDeleteYOU CAN DIP YOUR BANANAS IN LEMON JUICE AND THEY WONT TURN ,,,
DeleteMy recipe calls for the sweetened condensed milk. And you start by whipping the cream cheese & pudding together, add sweetened condensed milk, then whole milk & finally fold the cool whip in.
ReplyDeleteI use a deeper bowl (those take & go cheap ones work perfect) and layer more vanilla wafers in because I like the texture of the softened wafers & not crunchy cookies in my pudding. I've made it with as few as 2-3 bananas at thanksgiving when ripe bananas are at a premium.
As long as the bananas are layered in the pudding, they hold up pretty well. If you try to put them on top, they brown pretty quick.
If I want to get fancy, I get a can of whipped cream & make fancy designs on top, but only if it's going to be eaten soon...the whipped cream 'melts' pretty quick.
My mom says it's too sweet, I love it. It's almost got a mousse consistency after you fold the cool whip in.
Suzanne in Australia, did anyone ever answer your question? Nilla Wafers are sweet, crispy, and vanilla flavoured. They are very popular in or with banana pudding in the southeastern United States. (They soften a bit in the pudding, of course.) They are quite plain on their own, but that makes them versatile in recipes. My (southern) grandmother used to use them in the crusts of her beloved lemon meringue pies.
ReplyDeleteI used bananas and strawberries together - it was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI have crumbled cinnamon graham crackers on the top of mine instead of the vanilla wafers, an for those that don't like bananas add a box of banana flavored instant pudding along with the vanilla instant pudding, an I always try to do 2 layer's just to break up the pudding.
ReplyDeleteThe additional strawberries mentioned in the comments is an unusual twist. I'll have to try that one. My unique personal touch on this recipe is to add some crushed pineapple to the mix. It gives it a different flavor and a little different texture. Try it! If you are a pineapple fan, you'll love it.
ReplyDeleteI made it this way for years...a little old lady from a church group taught me how and its a hit everytime I make it! I also use very few bananas.
ReplyDeleteI made it this way for years...a little old lady from a church group taught me how and its a hit everytime I make it! I also use very few bananas.
ReplyDeleteSO delicious!! I've been craving banana pudding for weeks now and this is the first recipe I've truly fallen in love with. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIf I make this a day in advance, will the wafers be soggy? Is it best to refridgerate or freeze??
ReplyDeletePS-I have been dreaming of banana pudding ever since I found this recipe!
Gtowing up eating banana pudding, different recipe of course, I liked it even better the next day out of the refridgerator and the vanilla waffers (weren't called Nila waffers then)softened.
DeleteI love using chessman cookies for this. You stick it in the fridge if you don't eat it all right away (that's pretty much only if you're by yourself) the cookies get soft after refrigeration but that's actually a good thing. It's better to have soft cookies with the creamy texture and I think the original recipe might even call for refrigeration. The bananas get a little brown after awhile but are still yummy!
ReplyDeleteI just made this for Easter dinner tomorrow....couldn't resist licking the bowl...yummy!!!
ReplyDeleteJust made this for Easter tomorrow also.. realized last minute that someone had borrowed my mixer & never returned it :/ Needless to say, my arm is worn out! I whisked the cream cheese & condensed milk until I just couldn't whisk anymore. Lol! I hope it taste okay with the tiny bits of cream cheese but overall it was fairly smooth. Next time I do believe I will use more Nilla wafers though. It looks divine but does sort of seem like a pudding overkill.. I like some substance to my "nanner puddin'" :)
ReplyDeleteJust made this and it looks amazing. I used the 4 bananas because like you, I don't like too many. I think mine bananas were too small though because it looks like I don't have enough. But, that's okay. I can't wait for everyone in my family to try this!
ReplyDeleteSo either my 9x13 pans are really shallow or I did something wrong (and I really don't think I did anything wrong!). I ended up with so much filling I currently have TWO full 9x13 pans of banana pudding in my fridge! I have to go get another box of Nilla wafters to top them with because I ran out after lining the bottom of two pans. Did anyone else have this problem?
ReplyDeleteHi Kari, I made the recipie just as instructed and it came out perfect!. Looks just like the picture! I didn't have any left over for another dish although I wish I did!!
DeleteHi Kari, yes I did. But I substituted the sweetened condensed milk for an extra small box of the pudding mix.I didn't add any extra milk but I did add 3/4 cup of milk with the cream cheese and blended well before adding to the pudding mix.Total of 4cups milk. Second time I'm using a pan a bit larger. Guessing its a 10x15? Perfect. Original recipe was just too sweet! This way is THE best!
DeleteThis is a wonderful recipe that has become my "go-to" dessert! I make mine with Pecan Sandies instead of Nilla Wafers, and it's amazing. Also, I layer mine in a large bowl or trifle dish. I've also considered using the pudding as a dip for fruits are slivers of the cookies.
ReplyDeleteI just made this tonight....it is AH-mazing! My daughter and I made it and we both licked the beaters AND the bowl. ;)
ReplyDeleteI used 5 bananas because I love them. My Cool Whip was still a bit frozen from the store so I whipped it in with the beaters and it was so creamy.
In 14 years of marriage I have never made Banana Pudding, I always left to the others to bring to the fmaily get togethers. But this is so easy, I will be making it all the time. Not just ofr get togethers.
Thanks!
For those who don't like it with banana's, use fresh strawberries instead. Really GOOD!
ReplyDeleteI have also made this for years except I use sour cream in place of the cream cheese!! Could not be any better with cream cheese! Oh, and I also make two layers. A most delicious dessert. Many of my family request it for their birthdays instead of cake!
ReplyDeleteI just made this for my dad for Father's Day - It's his favorite!
ReplyDeleteYou should consider making this with the Chessman like in the original recipe! I made it for a cookout at work than for Memorial Day and have had multiple requests for it since! The Chessman cookies soften in the fridge and add a completely different flavor than the usual Nilla Wafers! You're right - best banana pudding recipe out there!
ReplyDeleteI wish we had a biscuit here in Australia that I could substitute. Will have to do some research. Love the name of your blog by the way. Just stumbled across it. Love it !
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing x
Try any shortbread cookie.... I use Lorna Doone instead of either of the ones in the recipe
DeleteGraham Crackers work well also, do you have those?
DeleteMake it almost the same, but I use one box of Banana Cream pudding and one box of Cheesecake pudding mix. Also, if you make ahead of time and refrigerate over night it is much "cake-ier" and the flavor of the puddings and bananas have a chance to blend. This is a go-to favorite for summer get-togethers.
ReplyDeleteDitto on the flavors blending in fridge overnight.
DeleteJust finished whipping up a batch for our 4th of July dinner with the in-laws. Can't wait to dig in. I chose to use the Chessman Cookies for a little change from tradition.
ReplyDeleteThis is delicious. I can now say i make a banana pudding better than my mom.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Thank you for this recipe. It was very yummy. I will say it should be called vanilla pudding though, since the only flavor of bananas is the sliced bananas at the bottom. I suppose the french vanilla pudding could be swapped out for banana pudding for more of a banana flavor. My mouth was prepared for more of a banana flavor, which is silly since I made it, and I knew there was nothing banana in it, except at the bottom of the pan. : ) For anyone reading the comments before making, I would say that in my opinion, this is best on day 1, but good after that as well. The bananas brown, and the cookies get soggy, which is fine, but personally I enjoyed the crunch of the Nilla wafer on day 1 with the smooth pudding. Yummy. Kid approved, ages 10 and 3 both liked it.
ReplyDeleteJust made this exactly as recipe says..it was delicious and my kids LOVED it..so easy and pretty reasonable!!! Definitely worth trying!!!
ReplyDeleteI just made this recipe and it is A-MAZING! I found you on Pinterest! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI made this from the original Paula Dean Recipe with the Pepperidge Farm Chessman cookies... It was fabulous! I let it sit overnight before serving because I knew the cookies were so thick they would not have the texture I wanted without sitting for a bit, and that was just the thing that made this perfect! My whole family said, don't ever use another recipe for banana pudding. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteOur family has made this twice after pinning it from pinterest and it is absolutely wonderful!!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAlways Experiencing Him,
Jody
I've made this and it is SO delicious! My favorite ever!
ReplyDeleteHelen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
I got this recipe off of Pinterest and I must say this is by far the best tasting banana pudding ever. My three children licked the bowl, spatula and beaters as if they never ate before. Definitely a keeper!
ReplyDeleteThis recipe is a huge hit with my entire family! Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove this recipe. Made it in a trifle dish. Everyone loved it. Have made is several times since.
ReplyDeleteThe original recipe calls for Chessman Cookies. I make it with the Chessman cookies. It is devine.
ReplyDeletecan you use low fat or fat free cream cheese and fat free milk?
ReplyDeleteIs there a way to make this without Cool Whip using regular whipped cream? Will the regular whipped cream hold up or fall apart?
ReplyDeleteWondering the same. Cool Whip is gross, in my opinion, and I'd rather use real whipped cream.
DeleteI wouldn't use regular whipped cream! Cool Whip is the way to go!!
ReplyDeleteIf you like peanut butter, try making it with Nutter Butter cookies broken in half. Yum!!
ReplyDeleteThis recipe is DELICIOUS! As a previous user said, it doesn't have a huge banana flavor...but I liked that!
ReplyDeleteI have substituted with "healthier" versions of all of the ingredients and it's turned out wonderfully!!!
I managed a slim version with very little to no sugar free aftertaste!
ReplyDeleteI used lite cool whip, fat free sweetened condensed milk, 1/3 less fat cream cheese, sugar free fat free vanilla pudding, and skim milk. I also substituted chocolate (not iced) animal crackers partially crushed for nilla wafers because I like a little chocolate.
I used 4 bananas but felt like 5 or 6 bananas would add extra taste to the lightened version of the pudding. I do not think an even more lightened version would taste good. But this was delicious!
I've made banana pudding with the Nilla Wafers, but from the first time I made Paula Deen's NYMBP with the Chessmen Cookies, I was SO hooked! After following the recipe the first time I made it, I made a couple of variations the next time: 1 box of the French Vanilla pudding + 1 box of Banana-flavored pudding + 1 Tablespoon of banana flavoring/extract. It definitely packs more of a banana whammy!
ReplyDeletethinking I may have to make a trip to the store so I can have this for Sunday dinner dessert!
Loved it..and I never really cared for banana pudding before..perfect vanilla taste with the bananas. Only thing I did different was make several layers..cookies,bananas,pudding repeat..awesome!
ReplyDeleteLoved it..and I never really cared for banana pudding before..perfect vanilla taste with the bananas. Only thing I did different was make several layers..cookies,bananas,pudding repeat..awesome!
ReplyDeleteJust made this for a pot luck tomorrow excited to see how it goes over. I made a version for home as well using only chocolate pudding, cream cheese & cool whip. I did use bananas too, but changed the cookie up to mini nutter butters. Hoping that tastes as good as it looks.
ReplyDeleteMichelle...that sounds AMAZING!!! What a GENIUS idea!!! Chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas are some of my favorite flavors!!!! I MUST try this asap!!! So, did you follow the recipe only changing the pudding and the cookies??!?!? Or did you do anything else differently?? I'm DYING to try this!!!! You'll have to let me know how it goes!!!!
DeleteIt was amazing. I only left out the condensed milk as the chocolate seemed rich enough & it worked perfect. I also added a 1/4 tsp of cinnamon & a 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. I can't make any thing chocolate with out those 2 extras. The original recipe was a huge hit at my potluck. I will have to do the chocolate version next time for sure.
DeleteIf you try the chocolate let me know if it works out & if you like it.
I made this last night for work today. It was definitely a hit! Delicious!!!
ReplyDeleteWas looking on another site and someone mentioned they used vanilla waffers instead of Chessman Cookies. Someone else said "By that do you mean Nilla Waffers?
ReplyDeleteExactly when were Vanilla Waffers renamed Nilla Waffers? Obviously this was a play to little kids who couldn't pronounce vanilla!
There is a brand of vanilla waffers called Nilla Waffers.
DeleteCorrection.. wafer
DeleteI use banana cream pudding mix..heavenly!
ReplyDeleteHow long after it's finished does it have to set before eating it?
ReplyDeleteI have made this recipe three times now. It is BOMB! And its the first dessert to go. I tweak it a little by adding a cap full of rum to the recipe I find it really brings out the banana flavor!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recipe. I will be trying it soon. Also, just want to say I love the name of your sight. Cute!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't Paula Deen's recipe. It's been around since cream cheese and Cool Whip. I hate when TV people act like they invented a recipe that has been around forever.
ReplyDeleteI don't like it when people like you get on here and act like you know everything. If all you want to do is bad-mouth things take your comments to a more approiate forum
DeleteAmen.
DeleteYou an expert are ya? I hate when people like you get on here and crap on what everyone else is enjoying.
ReplyDeleteAmen!!!
DeleteI second that.
DeleteI absolutely enjoyed this recipie! It was definently a twist from the plain old recipie on the box! It is definently richer in taste and texture! I could just eat the mixture, it seemed so fluffy!! Heavenly definently explains this, my family loved it and I will be ading this recipie to those of my own! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDoes the sweetened condensed milk make the dessert very sweet? Has anyone tried the recipe with half a can of sweetened condensed milk to cut down on the sweetness?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone made this dessert both ways....I mean using COOL WHIP VS WHIPPED CREAM? There is a major difference between the 2 and I cant decide which to do tomorrow!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've only used cool whip!!!!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt tastes so delicious. So easy to make. Great twist to the usual, mmmmm!
ReplyDeleteI use sour cream and cool whip
ReplyDeleteThis is now a family favorite! My son begs for it and he doesn't even care for bananas!
ReplyDeleteWow! I've made this couple times now and so good...I made a crust w crushed up vanilla wafers and butter and was simply to die for!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I've made this couple times now and so good...I made a crust w crushed up vanilla wafers and butter and was simply to die for!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a tried and true recipe that requires caramelizing the sweetened condensed milk, but you are right...you had me at cream cheese. Will definitely be trying this recipe over the weekend!
ReplyDeleteI've made this recipe twice. Everyone always loves it !!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe measurements are perfect. I love banana but some recipes have the banana flavor either to strong or not enough. A simple fruit but not that many recipes that I find the mix or texture of everything just right. This one is perfect! Thank you for sharing :)
I'm making this for my staff at work this week.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried halfing the recipe? If so, did it turn out alright?
ReplyDeleteyummy sounds delicious. Can't wait to try it. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI made this but instead of using the French vanilla pudding I used Banana flavored pudding & it was amazing!...
ReplyDeleteI have made this so many times. So glad to have found this recipe! It has never failed. Always requested at family reunions.
ReplyDeleteInstead of using 2 boxes of vanilla instant pudding, try 1 vanilla and 1 buttercream instant pudding... Can you say HEAVEN?
ReplyDeleteInstead of using 2 boxes of vanilla pudding, I use one box of vanilla and 1 box of buttercream instant pudding... Can you say HEAVEN?????
ReplyDeleteI would suggest adding a little banana flavoring to really kick up the taste buds.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest adding a little banana flavoring to secretly surprise the taste buds
ReplyDeleteDelicious. I love banana's so I added six and 2 layers of Nilla Wafers. Makes a lot so if there are just two of you plan to share.
ReplyDeleteI don't like bananas at all in my banana pudding so I use 1 small box of french vanilla and 1 small box of banana flavored pudding and I do more than a couple of layers of nilla wafers - so so good!!
ReplyDeleteI have used 1/2 of the can of condensed milk and could not tell the difference. Have made this many times. Always a hit!
ReplyDeleteWonderful recipe!
ReplyDeleteOmg! I just made this and it is the best banana pudding ever!! I followed instructions as said and pudding turned out perfect!
ReplyDeleteI don't normally like banana pudding (or any pudding for that matter), but I LOVED this! Like, new-favorite-dessert loved this! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I just made this and I will never make banana pudding any other way. It is amazing! I followed the recipe exactly except I added just a pinch of salt. The mixture would also make a scrumptious fruit dip with or without the pudding. Yum!
ReplyDeleteGoing to try this but I think I will crumble the wafers and sprinkle all over the top.
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering if the French vanilla pudding made a huge taste difference? I've always used plain vanilla pudding for my banana pudding. Never used French vanilla....
ReplyDeleteAnother alternative and it turned out AMAZING!!!! Try and let me know!!! Ladies I tried this dish for Christmas and while I was preparing it after I had done my final step combining the mix to the dish with the wafers and bananas I noticed the mix was too thin and watery and after going through the instructions again I found where my problem was . I picked up the pudding you have to cook to serve not instant. After thinking I had ruined the whole dish and was going to have to dispose of it I thought my only option left was to bake it so I threw it into the oven at 400. And baked for aprox. 30min. Removed it let it cool and tried it. It was AMAZING!! The bananas slices kept their form and flavor and the wafers on the bottom softened and adding a nice texture to the bottom of the pudding and I served it warm with a side of vanilla ice cream . Absolutely amazing. I had so many compliments and people asking for the recipes it was such a good turn out I thought I had ruined it. Please try and let me know how you liked this alternative way. Replace the 2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding with vanilla pudding you have to cook to serve with 3 cups of milk. I also crumbled up wafers and put them on top of the mix before I threw it in the oven and it came out beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMade this for Christmas, now am making it for New Year's per the "Family" demand! YUMMY!!!!
ReplyDeletemaking this luscious stuff for super bowl.... get in mouth!!!
ReplyDeleteI pinned this recipe 2 years ago, and finally made it last night. It was superb! Next time, and there will be a next time, I will use more bananas (personal preference). I only had skim milk on hand, so I mixed the milk with half milk and half 'half'n'half'. My only struggle with the recipe was in trying to determine how much of a 16 oz whipped topping container made 12 oz. I can't find 12 oz containers in any of our grocery stores.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this wonderful recipe! It really makes a lot, so would be great for taking to a potluck (which I did). I managed to bring one small serving home, and I think it tastes even better today than it did last night.
This is a perfect dessert. My kiddos will surely love this!
ReplyDeleteI made this as a second side to take to my inlaws Thanksgiving last year and there was nothing left at all! I have been asked to bring it again this year, very good. Thank you! I did crush the top layer of nilla wafers though.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried Nutter Butter cookies instead of the Chessmen or Vanilla Wafers? I think the peanut butter cookie would be exquisite, but I worry about the sweeter cookie making the original recipe too sweet.
ReplyDeleteThoughts?
This pudding is awesome! I made this for our July 4th family cookout & it was delicious! Perfect consistency. I used 5 bananas & one box of instant Vanilla in addition to the box of French Vanilla pudding mixes. You won't be disappointed with this one! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYummy. Tried this tonight. Sprinkled a little cinnamon on top. This was terrific and yes I liked the mixing bowl clean!
ReplyDeleteI make in a trifle bowl and top with the pudding mixture instead of the wafers. Then top the pudding mixture with wafer crumbs. I also use six bananas.
ReplyDelete