Positively Paula: Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding

Paula Deen’s legendary Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding is an irresistible, easy, no-bake dessert recipe topped with decadent Chessmen butter cookies and a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

You’ll love this easy twist on Southern banana pudding from the dairy queen, Ms. Paula Deen, that swaps traditional vanilla wafers with ultra-buttery Chessmen cookies.

Paula Says: It’s not banana pudding if it isn’t my Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding recipe! This banana pudding recipe calls for bananas, French Vanilla instant pudding, sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, cream cheese, and butter cookies. Y’all enjoy now.

———

Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

Paula Deen's No-Cook Banana Pudding

Paula Deen’s No-Cook Banana Pudding

You have to try Paula’s legendary recipe, “Not Yo’ Mama’s” Banana Pudding. This irresistible, no-bake dessert is topped with decadent Chessmen butter cookies and homemade whipped cream for an impressive finish.

Servings: 6-10
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: none
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • Homemade Whipped Cream, divided:
    • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
    • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 8 oz. of cream cheese, softened
  • 14oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 5.5oz package of instant vanilla pudding
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 - 7-8oz. Boxes of Butter Cookies (like Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies)
  • 6-8 bananas, sliced and divided
Cook’s Tip: One 12-oz. container of frozen whipped topping, thawed, can substitute for whipping cream and confectioners’ sugar.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Remove the cream cheese from the fridge and set it out at room temperature to soften, covered, for at least 30 minutes. At the same time, place a large mixing bowl (metal preferred) in the fridge or freezer to chill.
  2. In the chilled mixing bowl, whisk the whipping cream and the confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Chill the whipped cream until you’re ready for Step 5.
  3. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and the can of sweetened condensed milk until thoroughly combined. Stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix and the milk. Mix until smooth.
  4. Slice the bananas and set aside.
  5. Fold two-thirds of the reserved whipped cream into the custard mix. Set the rest aside for serving.
  6. Assemble the Pudding:
    1. Arrange one row of chessmen cookies (about one 7-8 oz. box) on the bottom of a large, 2-3 quart serving dish.
    2. Cover the layer of cookies with a layer of custard and smooth into the corners of the dish with a rubber spatula.
    3. Top the custard layer with a layer of sliced bananas.
    4. Repeat these steps and finish off with a final layer of cookies!
  7. Cover the banana pudding with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Spoon the pudding into bowls. Top each bowl with the remaining homemade whipped cream and fresh banana slices.

———

Watch “Positively Paula” Mondays at 5:30 PM ET only on RFD-TV! You can also stream any episode anytime with a subscription to RFD-TV Now.

Related Stories
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
Wed, 3/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET – Build better financial habits with tips from AARP
Wed, 3/11/26 – 7:30 PM ET – John Deere’s cutting-edge technology boosts efficiency, reduces costs, and promotes sustainability.
Cuban economic reforms could open up nearby export demand, but policy execution remains the key uncertainty.
ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) hosted the talks. The senator and doctor joined us on Wednesday on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to recap the critical discussions surrounding human health in America.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement yesterday at the grand opening of a new food safety lab in Missouri, where researchers will do Listeria testing.
$15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion ag products, 50 Boeing jets—plus a 19% tariff on Indonesian exports in exchange for U.S. market access.
Following an on-target CPI, the combination could suggest that inflation is cooling.