When making banana pudding, how do you keep the bananas from turning black?

Bananas turn black due to oxidation. To prevent this, toss sliced bananas with a small amount of lemon juice —about 1 tablespoon per 2 bananas. This slows down browning without affecting taste. Also, assemble the pudding quickly and cover it tightly with plastic wrap to reduce exposure to air.

What is a good substitute for Nilla wafers in banana pudding?

There are several great substitutes depending on your taste: Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies – buttery and rich, used in Not Yo Mama’s version Graham crackers – light, neutral flavor Shortbread cookies – dense and buttery Biscoff cookies – spiced with a caramel twist Vanilla Oreos (without cream) – for crunch and bold vanilla flavor Each brings a different texture and sweetness to the pudding.

What ingredients are in Patti LaBelle's banana pudding?

Patti LaBelle’s banana pudding is another twist on the Southern classic. Her version typically includes: Instant vanilla pudding mix Cream cheese Sweetened condensed milk Whipped topping (Cool Whip) Bananas Nilla wafers or vanilla cookies It’s quite similar to Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding but often includes a touch of lemon zest and real vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.

How to tell if banana pudding has gone bad?

Signs your banana pudding is no longer safe to eat include: Brown or mushy bananas that give off a fermented smell Watery separation in the pudding layer Sour or off odor from dairy going bad Visible mold around cookie edges or banana slices Typically, banana pudding stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge . Store it covered and chilled at all times.

What order do you layer banana pudding?

Layering matters for flavor and texture. The ideal order: Cookies on the bottom Sliced bananas Pudding mixture Repeat the layers Finish with cookies on top for visual flair and crunch This gives a perfect balance of crunch, cream, and banana in every bite.

How much lemon juice to keep bananas from browning?

To prevent browning without a bitter taste, use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per 2 sliced bananas . Toss the slices lightly or brush each one before layering. This helps maintain their color for up to 2 days when refrigerated properly.

Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding: 7 Best Tips for a Creamy Twist

Name: Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 small boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix; 3 cups cold whole milk; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 tub (12 oz) Cool Whip or whipped topping; 4–5 ripe but firm bananas, sliced; 2 packages Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent banana browning, optional)

Description

A rich and creamy no-bake twist on classic Southern banana pudding—made with layers of Chessmen cookies, fresh bananas, and a sweet pudding blend that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 small boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 tub (12 oz) Cool Whip or whipped topping
4–5 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
2 packages Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent banana browning, optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and blend until smooth.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy, then add to the pudding mixture and combine well.
Fold in the Cool Whip gently until fully incorporated.
In a 9×13-inch dish, layer the bottom with Chessmen cookies.
Add a layer of banana slices (lightly coated in lemon juice if desired).
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the banana layer.
Repeat with another layer of cookies, bananas, and the remaining pudding.
Finish with a final layer of cookies on top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping.
Substitute Nilla wafers, graham crackers, or Biscoff cookies if Chessmen cookies aren’t available.
You can serve in mason jars or trifle bowls for individual portions or party presentations.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Southern

Keywords: not yo mama's banana pudding, banana pudding recipe, no-bake banana dessert, Southern pudding, banana trifle