Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding
Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding is a beloved twist on the classic banana pudding, renowned for its rich, creamy texture and indulgent flavor. This version adds layers of velvety pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies, all topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- For the Pudding Mixture:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 package (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Assembly:
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (12 ounces) Nilla wafers (or other vanilla wafer cookies)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and cold milk. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gently fold the cream cheese into the pudding mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Whipped Cream and Pudding:
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined. Be gentle to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding:
- In a large trifle dish or a similar serving dish, start with a layer of Nilla wafers.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers.
- Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Serve:
- Before serving, you can garnish with additional Nilla wafer crumbles or fresh banana slices if desired.
Tips:
- Ripeness of Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.
Enjoy your Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding—a creamy, indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends!
