Paula Deen Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding
If there's one dessert that can make your mouth water and your heart skip a beat, it's Paula Deen Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding. This iconic Southern dessert with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy custard is a staple in any self-respecting Southern kitchen, and for good reason. It's sweet, it's creamy, and it's oh-so-delicious.
The History of Paula Deen's Banana Pudding
Paula Deen is a famous American chef and television personality known for her Southern-style cooking. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with her restaurant The Lady & Sons in Savannah, Georgia, and later became a household name with her show "Paula's Home Cooking."
One of Paula's most famous recipes is her Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding. The recipe first appeared in her cookbook "The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook" in 1998 and quickly became a fan favorite. The recipe has since been featured on her television show and has become a staple in many households across the United States.
The Ingredients of Paula Deen's Banana Pudding
The secret to Paula Deen's Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding is in the ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 (12-ounce) box vanilla wafers
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
While the ingredients might seem simple, the real magic comes from how they're combined.
The Recipe for Paula Deen's Banana Pudding
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started:
- In a large bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined.
- Add in the pudding mix and beat until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- In another large bowl, beat the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Add the pudding mixture to the heavy cream and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the sliced bananas and toss to coat.
- To assemble the banana pudding, layer the vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture in a large bowl. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of pudding mixture on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve and enjoy!
One of the great things about this recipe is that it's very forgiving. You can add more or less pudding mixture, bananas, or vanilla wafers depending on your personal preference. You can also use different types of cookies or fruit if you want to mix things up.
Variations of Paula Deen's Banana Pudding
While Paula Deen's Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding is a classic recipe that's hard to beat, there are countless variations that you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add cocoa powder to the pudding mixture and top with chocolate shavings.
- Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Add peanut butter to the pudding mixture and top with crushed peanuts.
- Berry Banana Pudding: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the pudding mixture.
The possibilities are endless!
In Conclusion
Paula Deen's Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert that has stood the test of time. Whether you're a fan of her cooking or not, this recipe is worth trying. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it's the perfect dessert for any occasion.
So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about? Your taste buds will thank you!