Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding

Want an easy & yummy dessert recipe that is perfect for the summer months and that doesn't require using the oven?

Well, here you go! It is also a perfect recipe for kids to help with. Kate LOVES helping me cook, bake, etc. I have found that on days where I include her with cooking, she is in a much better mood. And, when she helps me make something, she is more inclined to eat it (she is a VERY picky eater).
I had this banana pudding a few years ago & I just had to have the recipe!

Turns out it is a Paula Deen recipe. I don't know about you, but I love Paula Deen.

In fact, it was exactly one year ago that Kevin & I were in the South trying to go to her restaurant!

Since it is a Paula Deen recipe, you know it tastes good, but it isn't good for you!

I tweaked this recipe slightly to try and make it have fewer calories. I mean, it's bathing suit season people!

Here is what you need for Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding:
- 2 packages of Pepperidge Farm Chessman Cookies
- 1 (5oz) package of instant vanilla pudding
- 1 container of Cool Whip, thawed (I used Cool Whip Lite)
- 1 (8oz) package of cream cheese, softened (I used less fat cream cheese)
- 1 can of Sweetened Condensed milk (the original recipe calls for the whole can, I only use half)
- 2 cups of milk (I used non-fat milk)
- 4-6 bananas, sliced (depending on how many bananas you like)

Step 1:
Layer 1 package of the cookies into a 9x13 pan
Step 2:
Slice your bananas
Step 3:
Layer the bananas on top of the cookies
(I had Kate do this for me)

Step 4:
In a bowl, mix the 2 cups of milk with the instant vanilla pudding. Mix until well blended.
Step 5:
In a new bowl, mix the cream cheese & sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Then, fold in the cool whip.
Step 6:
Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese/cool whip mixture. Stir until well blended.
Step 7:
Pour the mixture over the cookies/bananas.
Step 8:
Have your helper spread the mixture evenly over the bananas.
Step 9:
Layer the 2nd package of cookies on top.
Sneak a lick of the mixture when you think no one is looking.
All layered up & ready to go in the fridge!
Step 10:
Put the dish in the fridge for 4-6 hours
Step 11:
Eat & Enjoy!
Both girls loved this dessert...it has bananas & low fat ingredients, so that makes it "healthier" right?
Claire kept saying, "More, More"
You will lick your plate (or your fingers) clean!
I may or may not have had a big serving of this last night while watching the season finale of The Biggest Loser. And, I didn't feel guilty at all...not one bit!