Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe (My Way) | How To Make Southern Banana Pudding | 🍌

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.

In a large pot over medium heat, add 1 1/3 cups of white sugar, 6 tablespoons of corn starch, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until well incorporated.

Add 4 cups of evaporated milk to the pot and whisk quickly. Cook until the mixture thickens.

Once thickened, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the burner.

Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of pure banana extract to the thickened pudding. Stir until the butter melts.

Let the pudding cool completely in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese (at room temperature) and 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk. Cream together on medium speed until well combined.

Fold the cream cheese mixture into the cooled pudding until well incorporated.

Add 3 cups of homemade whipped cream to the mixture and continue folding until combined and smooth.

Slice 6 bananas and set aside. Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.

Layer buttery chessmen cookies in the baking dish, then add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of pudding. Spread evenly to cover the bananas.

Add another layer of chessmen cookies, followed by the remaining bananas, and then the rest of the pudding. Spread it out evenly.

Top with one more layer of chessmen cookies.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens