Paula Deen's Ain't Your Mama's Banana Pudding
If you're a fan of southern cooking, then you've undoubtedly heard of Paula Deen. This celebrity chef is known for her delicious, down-home creations that are sure to satisfy any craving. And one of her most popular desserts is her "Ain't Your Mama's Banana Pudding." In this article, we'll take a closer look at this beloved treat and explore what makes it so special.
What is Banana Pudding?
Before we dive into Paula Deen's recipe, it's important to understand what banana pudding is. This classic dessert is a staple in the southern United States and is typically made with layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers. The pudding is often made from scratch, giving it a rich, creamy texture that's hard to resist.
Why is Paula Deen's Recipe so Special?
Now that you know what banana pudding is, let's talk about what makes Paula Deen's version so special. According to the chef herself, her recipe is "better than your mama's banana pudding" because she uses a secret ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. This thick, sweet milk adds a depth of flavor and richness to the pudding that's hard to beat.
Another thing that sets Paula Deen's recipe apart is the use of whipped cream. Instead of simply layering the pudding and bananas, she folds in whipped cream, giving the dessert a light, airy texture that's incredibly satisfying. And of course, like all of Paula Deen's recipes, this one is made with love and care, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
How to Make Paula Deen's Ain't Your Mama's Banana Pudding
Ready to try your hand at this famous dessert? Here's what you'll need:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice cold water
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 oz)
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (12 oz)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to get started! Here's the step-by-step process:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined.
- Add the instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the vanilla wafers on the bottom.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers.
- Top the bananas with a layer of the pudding mixture.
- Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the dish, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on top for an extra crunch.
- Enjoy!
Conclusion
Paula Deen's Ain't Your Mama's Banana Pudding is a beloved southern dessert that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it's easy to see why this dish has become so popular. And with Paula Deen's secret ingredient and special touch, this recipe is truly one-of-a-kind.