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Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding

Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding is an upgraded twist on the classic dessert. With a creamy blend of whipped cream, tangy cream cheese, and layers of fresh bananas and vanilla wafers, this pudding offers a uniquely rich and nostalgic treat. Best served after chilling overnight, every spoonful delivers perfectly melded flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 box vanilla wafer cookies 11-12 oz/about 300g (like Nilla Wafers)
  • 6-8 ripe bananas sliced into rounds
  • 1 package cream cheese 8 oz/225g, softened
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz/400g
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix 5 oz/140g
  • 2 cups cold milk 480ml
  • 1 container frozen whipped topping 12 oz/340g, thawed (or 4 cups homemade whipped cream)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Another mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • 9×13-inch dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
  2. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy and light.
  3. Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and mix until the mixture is beautifully smooth.
  4. Gently fold the prepared pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and silky.
  5. Fold in about two-thirds of the thawed whipped topping, reserving the remaining third for later.
  6. In a 9×13-inch dish, create alternating layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and the cream cheese pudding mixture, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
  7. Spread the reserved whipped topping over the final layer and sprinkle with a few crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal.
  8. Cover and chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.

Notes

This recipe offers plenty of room for customization. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese, or opt for sugar-free pudding mix and lite condensed milk if you’re watching your sugar intake. You can also add a splash of rum, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even toasted coconut for extra flavor. Allowing the pudding to chill overnight really deepens the flavors and softens the wafers for the ultimate texture.