The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe (Paula Deen's Famous Version!)

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: whipped topping

Coconut cream adds richness with fewer calories.

vanilla pudding mix

🥗Healthier: homemade custard

💰Cheaper: instant pudding

Homemade custard enhances flavor without preservatives.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds sweetness with a unique flavor.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: almond extract

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor.

Start with a baking dish (clear Pyrex or similar).

Layer Chesman butter cookies in the bottom of the dish, adjusting for size if necessary.

Slice bananas and place a slice on top of each cookie, adding more if desired.

Prepare the pudding by mixing 2 boxes of instant pudding with 2% milk using a hand mixer.

Place the pudding mixture in the fridge to thicken for a short time.

In a separate bowl, combine La Shira (or condensed milk) and cream cheese, mixing until well blended.

Add 12 oz of whipping cream (using 16 oz and removing some if necessary) and mix until combined.

Pour the pudding mixture over the layer of cookies and bananas, spreading it evenly.

Finish by layering more Chesman cookies on top.

Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens