Southern Chessmen Cookie Banana Pudding Recipe
This easy Southern-style banana pudding layers buttery Chessmen cookies, fresh bananas, and a rich, creamy vanilla filling made with instant pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping. Assemble it ahead, then chill until set for a crowd-pleasing no-bake dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the layers
- 2 packages Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Butter Cookies, divided
- 3–4 large bananas, or more for a thicker layer
For the vanilla pudding filling
- 1 package (5.1 ounces) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the cream cheese mixture
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping
Instructions
- Layer the cookies.
Arrange a layer of Chessmen cookies across the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, covering the base as evenly as possible. Reserve the remaining cookies for the top.
- Make the pudding.
In a large bowl, whisk or beat the instant pudding mix with the milk and heavy cream for about 2 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Set aside.
- Mix the cream cheese and condensed milk.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping.
Use a spatula to gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.
- Combine the fillings.
Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and stir or fold until the filling is evenly blended.
- Add the bananas.
Slice the bananas and arrange them in an even layer over the cookies. Add a second layer if you prefer extra banana.
- Spread on the filling.
Spoon the pudding mixture over the bananas and smooth it into an even layer, spreading it all the way to the edges of the dish.
- Finish with cookies and chill.
Arrange the remaining Chessmen cookies over the top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set and chilled.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk.
- For a more pronounced banana layer, add extra sliced bananas or arrange two layers.
- Chilling overnight gives the pudding time to set and lets the cookies soften slightly.
- Keep the dessert covered and refrigerated. For the freshest banana flavor and appearance, enjoy within 2–3 days.
