The ultimate Chessmen banana pudding recipe—creamy, no-bake, and made with Chessmen cookies. A simple Southern dessert everyone will rave about!
You might also like my banana cream slab pie, banana cream trifle, or bakery banana nut muffin recipe.
A spin-off of my favorite banana cream pudding with Nilla wafers, this butter cookie version is made with Pepperidge Farms Chessmen cookies for an elegant dessert that couldn't be easier to make.
Why I Like This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make: This is a no-bake recipe that comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
- Rich, creamy, and nostalgic: The layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and Chessmen cookies create a classic Southern flavor that feels both indulgent and comforting.
- Perfect for gatherings: It makes a large pan and looks beautiful when served, making it ideal for potlucks, holidays, or family get-togethers.
Jump to:
Tips and Tricks
- Layer evenly for the best texture: Spread each layer carefully so every bite gets a balanced mix of pudding, bananas, and cookies.
- Use instant pudding for best results: Instant pudding sets quickly and creates a smooth, creamy texture that holds up well in layers without becoming runny.
- Fold whipped topping gently: When mixing, fold instead of stirring to keep the filling light, fluffy, and airy rather than dense.
- Let it chill before serving: You can eat it right away, but for the best results, let it chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so the flavors meld and the cookies soften slightly.
Ingredients
- Instant vanilla pudding: This creates a smooth, creamy base that sets quickly and, in combination with sliced bananas, gives the dessert its classic banana pudding flavor without any cooking. I prefer vanilla pudding over banana pudding because banana-flavored pudding mix often tastes overly sweet and synthetic, but don't worry, the banana flavor still shines through from the slices of fresh bananas.
- Milk: Used to prepare the pudding, milk helps create the perfect creamy consistency and smooth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds rich sweetness and a thick, velvety texture that makes the pudding extra indulgent.
- Whipped topping: Lightens the mixture and gives it a fluffy, airy consistency that balances the richness of the pudding and milk.
- Bananas: Fresh bananas add natural sweetness and soft texture, making each bite perfectly balanced.
- Chessmen butter cookies: These buttery cookies add structure and a delicious shortbread flavor, softening into cake-like layers as they sit. Alternatively, you can layer Nilla wafer cookies in place of Chessmen cookies if you prefer.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Banana Pudding
Step 1: Line the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with 20 cookies.
Step 2: Slice 5-6 bananas. Layer half of the bananas on top of the first layer of cookies.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk. Mix.
Step 4: Fold in whipped topping.
Step 5: Spread half of the pudding mixture over the layer of cookies and bananas.
Step 6: Top with another layer of sliced bananas.
Step 7: Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the bananas.
Step 8: Add another layer of cookies. Cover and chill for 4 hours.
Banana pudding is a great dessert to make a day in advance and tastes even better on day 2. However, the bananas, if exposed to air, will begin to brown. It will still taste delicious, but it will look less appealing after a few days.
Southern Banana Pudding FAQs
Yes! In fact, it’s best made several hours or overnight in advance so the flavors meld and the cookies soften perfectly.
Layer the bananas between pudding and cookies to limit air exposure, and cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. If wanting to add bananas as a garnish, wait until just before serving to do so.
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream works great, just make sure it’s stabilized so it holds up in the pudding.
Some recipes call for cream cheese in the pudding mixture, but that is not necessary. The vanilla pudding sets up beautifully in this recipe and keeps the flavors simple.
Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Vanilla pudding lets the fresh bananas shine without overpowering them, creating a more natural banana flavor instead of an artificial one. Banana pudding mix can sometimes taste overly sweet or synthetic, while vanilla keeps the dessert rich, creamy, and classic.
More No Bake Desserts To Make
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💛 Please leave a STAR rating and COMMENT below! Post it to Facebook or Pinterest to easily share with friends!
Chessmen Banana Pudding (Easy No Bake Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 packages Chessmen butter cookies 40 cookies
- 1 large box instant vanilla pudding mix 5.1 ounces
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
- 1 cup milk any kind
- 12 oz. whipped topping
- 5-6 bananas
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with 20 cookies.
- Slice 5-6 bananas. Layer half of the bananas on top of the first layer of cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk. Mix.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the layer of cookies and bananas.
- Top with another layer of sliced bananas.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Add another layer of cookies. Cover and chill for 4 hours.
Leave a Reply