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Chessmen Banana Pudding

This creamy banana pudding is bursting with double the banana flavor from just-ripe bananas and instant banana cream pudding. It also comes together quickly and feeds a crowd. Win-win!
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine british
Servings 24 people
Calories 6228.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Electric Mixer
  • 3 Large Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Rubber Spatula For gentle folding and spreading

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 cups heavy cream cold
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • One 8-ounce package cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • Two 3.4-ounce packages instant banana cream pudding mix
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 40 butter cookies such as Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies (from two 7.25-ounce bags)
  • 3 to 4 medium-ripe bananas cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices on the bias

Instructions
 

  • Combine 1 3/4 cups of the heavy cream, 1/3 cup of the sugar, the cream cheese and salt in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add the milk and instant pudding mix to a separate large bowl. Whisk until thick, 1 to 2 minutes. Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture, then set aside.
  • Add the remaining 2 1/4 cups heavy cream, remaining 1/3 cup sugar and the vanilla extract in a separate large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until just combined. Set aside.
  • Place 20 of the cookies in a single layer on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with the banana slices. Pour the pudding mixture over the banana slices and spread in an even layer. Top with the remaining 20 cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the pudding is firm, at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

Notes

For optimal flavor and texture, use medium-ripe bananas; they provide sweetness without being overly mushy. Avoid overly green or brown bananas. When folding the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, do so gently to maintain the light, airy texture. Overmixing will deflate the cream. The extended chilling time of at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, is crucial for the pudding to set properly, allowing the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften just enough without becoming soggy. For an enhanced presentation, consider reserving a few cookie crumbles and fresh banana slices to garnish the top just before serving. A light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon can also add a touch of elegance.