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
“The millennial generation is really the one that is driving this sales growth.”
‘Tamarack Biotics’ has secured initial FDA acceptance of using UV light for milk safety
This cast-iron Meat Lover’s Pizza is loaded with beef, sausage, ham, pepperoni—and ALL the cheese. It’s deep-dish, crispy-edged, and unapologetically extra.
All your cheeseburger faves—on a pizza! Beef, bacon, pickles, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s bold, beefy, and totally crave-worthy.
Crispy crust, creamy Gorgonzola, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula make this pizza fancy, fast, and full of flavor!
“We were a farm before Tennessee was a state!”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.