Banana Pudding with Chessmen Cookies

This banana pudding with Chessmen cookies is a rich, creamy, no-bake dessert layered with fresh bananas, buttery shortbread cookies, and fluffy vanilla pudding. Inspired by the classic Southern banana pudding and Magnolia Bakery. If you’re looking for the best banana pudding recipe that’s simple yet impressive, this is it.

We are huge banana pudding fans in our home! When we head to the lake, and I need an easy dessert that everyone loves, I make this easy banana pudding. Now, I am not bringing a huge glass trifle dish onto the boat (I am on that over-the-top) but I love putting it in a storage container and letting them scoop it out for an easy dessert. This easy Chessmen banana pudding recipe is a no-bake dessert made with layers of fresh bananas, creamy pudding, whipped topping, and buttery shortbread cookies.

I love making the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding copycat made with Nilla wafers, but I like to mix it up and make it more gourmet by using chessmen cookies.

Using Pepperidge Farms Chessmen cookies instead of traditional vanilla wafers completely transforms this banana pudding. These cookies are richer and more buttery, so their flavor is unmatched.

What did I change from my Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe? I changed the Nilla wafers and used Chessmen cookies instead, and reduced the whipped cream so the pudding flavor comes through. If you like the pudding to whipped cream ratio of the classic Magnolia bakery banana pudding, you can use that recipe too and just swap the cookies for the wafers.

Ingredients:

There are only 6 ingredients in this easy banana pudding recipe! 

• Chessmen cookies – These buttery shortbread cookies soften beautifully and create a richer flavor than traditional vanilla wafers.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix – The base of the creamy filling; it sets quickly and gives structure.
• Ice cold water– Helps activate and thicken the pudding mixture.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and a smooth, luscious texture.
• Heavy Cream – Lightens the mixture and creates that fluffy, airy consistency.
• Bananas – Fresh, ripe bananas add natural sweetness and classic flavor.

How to make the Best Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding:

1. MAKE PUDDING MIXTURE. In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cold water, then add the instant pudding mix. Mix for 2 minutes until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least one hour.
2. WHIP CREAM. In a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. COMBINE PUDDING MIXTURE. Once the pudding has chilled, gently fold it into the whipped cream, adding a scoop at a time until fully combined and smooth.
4. ASSEMBLE. To assemble, use a trifle dish, large glass bowl, or individual serving glasses. Start by spreading a layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom, then add a layer of cookies followed by sliced bananas. Repeat the layers until the dish is filled.
5. TOP. Finish with a layer of the pudding mixture and a sprinkle of crushed cookies on top.
6. CHILL PUDDING. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 4–6 hours, or until the cookies are soft and the dessert is fully set.

How long should I refrigerate the banana pudding?

For the best texture, banana pudding needs time to chill before serving. While it can be ready in as little as 2 hours, letting it sit for 4 to 8 hours or overnight gives the pudding time to fully set, the flavors to blend, and the cookies to soften into that signature texture. For the ideal balance, I recommend chilling for about 4–6 hours so everything sets perfectly without the bananas browning too much.

Why didn’t my pudding set properly?

The most likely cause is not whipping the heavy cream enough. It needs to be stiff peaks and light and fluffy. Another key factor is chilling time the pudding needs at least 4–6 hours in the fridge to fully set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

Storage:

Store banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, keep it tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

Note: the bananas may brown slightly over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days. I recommend to use bananas that are barely ripe to help prevent browning.

Banana Desserts:

Easy Banana Cream Pie

Jeff’s BEST Banana Cake Recipe

Salted Caramel Banana Cream Pie

Best Banana Bars

Here is a homemade banana pudding made with homemade custard.

Magnolia Bakery Pudding Recipes:

Magnolia Bakery Peach Crisp Pudding

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Magnolia Bakery Strawberry Shortcake Pudding