Chessman Banana Pudding

5 from 3 votes

This Chessman Cookie Banana Pudding is a twist on the classic Southern banana pudding. It's a no-bake dessert, that's best to make in advance and can serve quite the crowd! With layers of creamy pudding, buttery shortbread cookies, and ripe bananas, it's a treat that will be gone in minutes at any family gathering.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Total Time4 15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easter, holiday, holidays

Servings: servings

Calories: 325kcal

Ingredients

Pudding Base

5.1 ounce box instant French vanilla pudding mix (or 1 3.4oz box + 3 tablespoons from another box)
12 ounce can evaporated milk chilled
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Cream Cheese Whip Layer

8 ounce package cream cheese softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Layers

14.5 ounces Chessmen Butter cookies plus more for garnish
8-10 small ripe bananas
Garnish options: fresh mint, dehydrated banana slices, fresh banana slices, fresh whipped cream

Instructions

In a medium bowl, with a hand mixer mix together the pudding mix and chilled evaporated milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the cream layer.
In another bowl with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until smooth.
With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour in heavy whipping cream. Once the mixture begins to thicken, whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the chilled pudding mixture into the cream cheese whipped cream until fully combined.
Add an even layer of Chessmen cookies in the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.
Top with an even layer of sliced bananas.
Spread evenly half of the pudding mixture, add another layer of bananas, then spread on the rest of the pudding mixture in an even layer.
Top with whole or crushed Chessmen cookies.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish as desired.

Video

Notes

Storage:

Store any leftover banana pudding with chessman cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing the dessert as it will change the texture once thawed.

Tips

Make sure your evaporated milk is cold. This helps with whipping the pudding mix to the correct consistency for that delicious texture.
When folding the pudding and cream cheese whipped cream together, don't stir quickly. Slow folding is best and don't over-mix or you will deflate the whipped cream!
Give the chessman banana pudding the right amount of time to set. At least 4 hours is key to allow the cookies to soften and become tender in each bite.
Add other fruit if desired. I've also added berries like sliced strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries to this banana pudding for a fun twist on the flavors.
Opt for a different cookie. You can also make this with vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, sugar cookies, graham crackers, or Biscoff cookies.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!