Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding – Creamy No-Bake Dessert Magic

There’s a certain magic in a dessert that doesn’t need the oven but still manages to wow a crowd. Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding is one of those gems—a velvety, layered masterpiece that combines sweet bananas, rich cream, and buttery Chessmen cookies into pure comfort on a plate. This isn’t your grandmother’s stovetop custard version. Instead, it’s a no-bake, modern twist that’s just as nostalgic but twice as simple.

Whether you’re making it for a Sunday dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this pudding is more than just dessert—it’s a conversation starter. The cream cheese gives it a luscious tang, the pudding layer is smooth and dreamy, and the cookies soften just enough to melt into each bite.

Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding

A no-bake, creamy banana pudding layered with buttery Chessmen cookies, ripe bananas, and a luscious pudding-cream cheese mixture. The ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 12 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
• 6 ripe bananas sliced into thin rounds
• 1 package cream cheese 8 oz, softened
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
• 1 box instant French vanilla pudding mix 5 oz
• 2 cups milk preferably whole milk
• 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed 12 oz, or use homemade sweetened whipped cream

Instructions

 

• Arrange one bag of Chessmen cookies in a single layer across the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish.
  
• Slice bananas into thin rounds and layer them evenly over the cookies.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until thick and smooth.
• In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth.
• Fold the whipped topping gently into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated.
• Combine the pudding with the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth.
  
• Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the banana layer in the dish.
• Top with the remaining bag of Chessmen cookies, arranging them in a single layer.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the cookies soften.

Notes

For a tropical twist, top with toasted coconut or a caramel drizzle. You can prepare this dessert up to 24 hours in advance. To prevent bananas from browning, lightly toss slices in lemon juice before layering. For maximum freshness, assemble the pudding without bananas and add them just before serving.

Keyword banana pudding, Chessmen cookie pudding, easy banana pudding recipe, No-Bake Dessert, Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding, Southern banana dessert

Ingredients & Substitutions – Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding

Here’s what you’ll need—and how you can swap things if you want to put your own spin on it.

• Frozen Whipped Topping (or Sweetened Whipped Cream)
  This is your shortcut to fluffiness. If you prefer to skip the processed stuff, make your own whipped cream using heavy cream and powdered sugar.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk
  Adds indulgent sweetness and a silky texture. No real swap here—it’s the signature flavor backbone of this pudding.
• Cream Cheese
  The secret ingredient that gives the pudding body and a slight tang. For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese.
• Milk
  Whole milk works best for richness, but you can use 2% if you prefer. Avoid non-dairy milk unless it’s extra creamy, as the pudding may not set properly.
• Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix
  This gives the dessert its custardy base. Regular vanilla works too, but French vanilla has a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Bananas
  Aim for perfectly ripe bananas—yellow with minimal brown spots—for the ideal sweetness and texture. (Here’s more on the health benefits of bananas).
• Chessmen Cookies
  Buttery shortbread cookies that soften into the pudding layers. If you can’t find them, vanilla wafers or shortbread biscuits are great substitutes.

How to Make Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding

This dessert comes together in minutes but tastes like you worked all afternoon.

1. Layer the Base
   Arrange one bag of Chessmen cookies across the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish. Make sure there are no large gaps—it creates the perfect foundation.
2. Add the Bananas
   Slice bananas into thin rounds and evenly distribute over the cookies.
3. Make the Pudding Mixture
   In a medium bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, until thick and smooth.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
   In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until no lumps remain.
5. Fold and Combine
   Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Then, blend it into the pudding until fully combined.
6. Assemble the Layers
   Spread the creamy pudding mixture over the bananas and cookies. Smooth the top.
7. Top with Cookies
   Place the second bag of Chessmen cookies on top in a single layer.
8. Chill
   Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to let the cookies soften.

Toppings & Variations

• Toasted Coconut – Sprinkle on top for a tropical twist.
• Caramel Drizzle – Adds a sweet, buttery depth.
• Chocolate Shavings – Pairs beautifully with bananas for a banana-split vibe.
• Berry Addition – Layer sliced strawberries or blueberries for color and tang.

Why This Dessert Works So Well

The genius behind this dessert is texture contrast. You get the firmness of the bananas, the buttery crunch of the cookies (before they soften), and the ultra-smooth creaminess of the filling. It’s a dessert you can prep ahead, which means it’s stress-free when hosting.

People Also Ask

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled, in generous squares, ensuring each serving has both layers of cookies and bananas. For presentation, you can serve in clear trifle bowls or individual cups so guests can see the layers. Pair it with coffee or a tall glass of iced tea for a Southern-style treat.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of bananas changes when frozen.
• Meal Prep Tip: Assemble without bananas, refrigerate, then add fresh banana slices just before serving for maximum freshness.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats – A healthier morning twist.
• Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe – Tropical sweetness in every bite.
• Chocolate Pudding Cake – Rich, gooey, and perfect for chocoholics.

For more sweet inspiration, check out my Facebook page and Pinterest boards where I share dessert ideas daily.