Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’ Recipe

Looking for a delicious Southern dessert recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding.’ This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Paula Deen is known for her mouthwatering recipes, and this banana pudding is no exception. It features layers of creamy French vanilla instant pudding, sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, and cream cheese. Topped with ripe bananas and cookies, it’s a dessert that screams comfort and indulgence.

Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a homemade banana pudding that will rival any store-bought version. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a sweet treat, Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’ is the perfect choice.

Key Takeaways:

• Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’ is a classic Southern dessert recipe.
• The recipe features layers of bananas, French vanilla instant pudding, sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, cream cheese, and cookies.
• It’s easy to make and has received rave reviews from those who have tried it.
• Serve chilled and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Substitute chessmen cookies with vanilla wafers if needed, and try different pudding flavors for variations.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding,’ you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package frozen whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 (5.1-ounce) package instant French vanilla pudding mix
• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 (7.25-ounce) package chessmen cookies

The preparation involves:

1. Layering cookies and bananas in a dish
2. Combining the milk and pudding mix with an electric mixer until thickened
3. In a separate bowl, blending the cream cheese and condensed milk together
4. Folding in the whipped topping
5. Combining the cream cheese mixture with the pudding mixture
6. Pouring the mixture over the cookies and bananas in the dish
7. Top with more cookies
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve

Here’s a visual representation of the ingredients and preparation:

Serving and Storage

Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’ can be served chilled and is best when refrigerated for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat anytime. The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.

When serving Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding,’ it is best to refrigerate the dish for a few hours before enjoying it. The chilling time allows the flavors to develop and the pudding to set, creating a creamy and delectable dessert. Whether you’re serving the pudding for a special occasion or as an everyday indulgence, refrigeration is key to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

To store the banana pudding, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve its freshness and keep it ready for serving. It is recommended to consume the pudding within 3 days to ensure optimal flavor and quality.

Proper storage of ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’ is essential to maintain its taste and texture. The refrigeration process allows the creamy layers to set, creating a more stable and enjoyable dessert. By following the storage guidelines, you can ensure that each serving of banana pudding is just as delightful as the first.

Tips for Serving and Storing Banana Pudding

Variations and Substitutions

Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’ recipe is delicious as it is, but you can also get creative with variations and substitutions to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

Variations:

• Add Some Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, you can incorporate chocolate into your banana pudding. Simply substitute the French vanilla instant pudding mix with chocolate pudding to create a rich and indulgent twist on this classic dessert.
• Go Bananas: To enhance the banana flavor, you can add extra bananas to your pudding. Layer sliced bananas on top of the cookies before adding the pudding mixture for an extra burst of fruity goodness.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make substitutions without compromising the taste. Here are a couple of options:

• Cheese for Chessman: If you can’t find chessmen cookies, don’t fret! Vanilla wafers make an excellent substitute. They have a similar texture and flavor that pairs well with the banana pudding. Simply layer the vanilla wafers instead of the chessmen cookies for a delightful crunch.
• Cool Whip for Whipped Topping: If frozen whipped topping is not available, you can use Cool Whip as a substitute. Cool Whip is a creamy and light whipped topping that works perfectly in this recipe. Use it in the same way as the frozen whipped topping, and you’ll still achieve a velvety and smooth texture.

Summary:

By experimenting with variations and substitutions, you can create a banana pudding that perfectly suits your taste preferences. Whether you choose to add some chocolate, extra bananas, or make ingredient substitutions, the possibilities are endless for making this beloved dessert your own.

Tips and Tricks

When it comes to making the perfect banana pudding, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. These will help you prevent banana browning, create stabilized whipped cream, and understand the differences between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.

Preventing Banana Browning

To prevent the bananas from browning and maintain their fresh appearance in your banana pudding, try tossing them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the mixture. The citric acid in the lemon juice helps slow down the enzymatic browning process, keeping your bananas looking vibrant and appetizing.

Creating Stabilized Whipped Cream

If you prefer using real whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping in your banana pudding, you can make it even more stable by adding gelatin to the cream. This technique, known as stabilized whipped cream, helps the cream hold its shape for longer periods and prevents it from deflating. To achieve this, simply sprinkle gelatin over cold water, allow it to hydrate and then dissolve it over low heat. Once cooled, it can be whipped into the cream for a stabilized and longer-lasting whipped cream topping.

Understanding Evaporated Milk vs. Sweetened Condensed Milk

When a recipe calls for evaporated milk, it’s important to note that this type of milk has no added sugar and is not as sweet as sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk is essentially regular milk with part of the water content removed through evaporation, resulting in a richer and creamier texture. On the other hand, sweetened condensed milk is thick, sweet, and creamy, as it contains added sugar. Be mindful of these differences when selecting the appropriate milk for your banana pudding recipe.

Homemade Banana Pudding

If you’re interested in making a homemade version of banana pudding, there are various recipes available online. One option is to create a homemade banana pudding recipe for a banana cream pie, which involves making a custard from scratch using eggs, milk, and other ingredients. This homemade version can be a delicious alternative to Paula Deen’s recipe for those who prefer a more traditional approach.

There are several key steps to creating a homemade banana pudding. First, you’ll need to prepare the custard by whisking together eggs, milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a creamy custard. Once the custard has cooled, you can start assembling your pudding.

Layer sliced bananas and vanilla wafers or homemade shortbread cookies in a dish, alternating between the two. Then, pour the custard over the layers, ensuring it covers all the cookies and bananas. Repeat the process until you’ve used up all your ingredients, ending with a layer of custard on top.

For an extra special touch, you can top your homemade banana pudding with whipped cream or meringue. Whipped cream adds a light and fluffy element to the dessert, while meringue creates a sweet and airy topping. Both options are delicious and will elevate your homemade pudding to the next level.

Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe to help you get started on your homemade banana pudding:

1. Ingredients:

2. Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard.
3. Remove the custard from the heat and let it cool.
4. Layer sliced bananas and vanilla wafers or homemade shortbread cookies in a dish.
5. Pour the custard over the layers, ensuring it covers all the cookies and bananas.
6. Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of custard on top.
7. Top with whipped cream or meringue, if desired.
8. Chill the homemade banana pudding in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’ has earned its place as a beloved Southern dessert in households across the country. The combination of creamy pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and the natural sweetness of bananas creates a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you choose to follow Paula Deen’s original recipe or customize it to your preferences, banana pudding is a dessert that never fails to bring comfort and joy. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

So, the next time you’re craving a true Southern classic, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of Paula Deen’s ‘Not Your Mama’s Banana Pudding’. You’ll be transported to a world of sweet indulgence with every spoonful.