
Classic Banana Pudding (Chessmen or Vanilla Wafers)
Few desserts feel as comforting and nostalgic as a bowl of classic banana pudding. Creamy, sweet, and layered with ripe bananas and buttery cookies, this timeless treat has earned its place at family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners. Whether you prefer the rich flavor of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies or the familiar crunch of vanilla wafers, this dessert delivers pure, old-fashioned satisfaction with every spoonful.
What makes classic banana pudding so special is its simplicity. No fancy techniques, no complicated tools—just good ingredients, careful layering, and a little patience to let everything come together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ripe bananas (yellow with light brown speckles)
- Vanilla instant pudding mix
- Cold milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Cream cheese, softened
- Vanilla extract
- Frozen whipped topping, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
- Chessmen cookies or vanilla wafers
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold milk and vanilla instant pudding mix. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Set it aside to firm up slightly.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then mix again until creamy and well blended.
Now gently fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Stir slowly until everything is evenly combined and silky.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Add the thawed whipped topping to the pudding mixture. Using a spatula, fold it in gently to keep the mixture light and airy. This step gives the pudding its signature fluffy texture.









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