Mouth-watering Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe
Do you love the taste of classic Southern dessert, but are looking for a fun twist? Look no further than this Moon Pie Banana Pudding recipe! As an experienced baker, I have always been drawn to Southern-inspired desserts that exude warmth and comfort. And let me tell you, this dessert is no exception!
Imagine the creamy texture of homemade banana pudding with layers of deconstructed Moon Pies. The combination of banana flavor and chocolate marshmallow in every bite is pure heaven on earth. This recipe is perfect for Mardi Gras parties, summer picnics, or whenever you want to add a little bit of fun and whimsy to your dessert table.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also requires minimal ingredients. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging by yourself, this Moon Pie Banana Pudding will not disappoint.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on a deliciously sweet journey through the Deep South with each heavenly bite of my Moon Pie Banana Pudding recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, my sweet-toothed friends, because I have a recipe that is going to blow your mind. And trust me, as the assistant of a seasoned baker, I know a thing or two about creating mouth-watering treats. The Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe is not your average dessert; it’s a decadent twist on a beloved classic that will transport your taste buds straight to the blissful heartland of Alabama.
What’s not to love about this indulgent dish? The creamy banana pudding is layered between slices of moon pies, creating an irresistible double-decker delight. The addition of ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and pleasing texture to the mix, while the vanilla extract and Cool Whip bring every flavor together in perfect harmony.
If that’s not enough to convince you to try this recipe, did I mention it was easy? You only need nine ingredients to create this culinary masterpiece, and you don’t have to even turn on your oven! It’s perfect for those who want to whip up something quick for an on-the-go snack or a last-minute dessert for a party.
And let’s be honest here: who wouldn’t want to be known as the chef who brings the best dessert for every occasion? This recipe is perfect for everything from birthday parties, family gatherings, Mardi Gras festivities, or even just a late-night snack after dinner. Trust me; everyone will be begging for seconds!
So go ahead and give this Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe a try. Once you take that first bite of the creamy goodness and feel the soft, spongy texture of the moon pies against your tongue, you will understand why it has become one of my personal favorites. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4 banana moon pies
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
This banana pudding recipe is a Southern dessert that has been a staple in Alabama and the Deep South for generations. It combines creamy banana pudding with chocolate marshmallow sandwich cookies known as Moon Pies to create a delicious explosion of flavor. This Moon Pie Banana Pudding is the perfect dessert for Mardi Gras parties or non-traditional gatherings alike.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the most exciting part – creating this scrumptious Moon Pie Banana Pudding! Follow along these instructions and be amazed by the final result!
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 6 Moon Pies, broken into small chunky pieces
- 4 ripe large bananas, thinly sliced
- 48 vanilla wafers
Instructions:
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First, whip up the vanilla pudding according to package directions using a handheld electric mixer.
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In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Slowly add in the cold milk as you continue to beat until evenly combined.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and half of the whipped topping (Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture.
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Layer the bottom of a 9 x 13 inches dish with half of your moon pie chunks.
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Then, top it with half of your prepared pudding followed by half of the sliced bananas.
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Repeat these layers starting with another layer of Moon Pie chunks on top of bananas.
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Top it with another layer of pudding mixture and finally remaining whipped topping (Cool Whip).
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Crush the remaining moon pies and sprinkle them over your assembled pudding top.
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Lastly, arrange freshly sliced bananas on top of your moon pie crumbles to make it look more enticing and mouth-watering!
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Cover your pudding with cling wrap and chill for at least four hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.
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When ready to serve, carefully remove cling wrap and dig in with a spoonful of this creamy, luscious Southern dessert!
Enjoy every bite of this nostalgic delicacy that will surely take you down memory lane!
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about this Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe is that it’s both versatile and customizable. You can choose to make substitutions and variations based on your personal preferences, or based on what you have in your pantry. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Cool Whip: If you’re not a fan of Cool Whip, or if you prefer to use something else, you can easily swap it out for whipped cream. Just make sure to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks before adding it to the pudding.
– Bananas: If you don’t like bananas, or if you just want to mix things up a bit, you can use other types of fruit instead. Some great options include strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches.
– Vanilla Extract: This recipe calls for vanilla extract, but you can experiment with other flavors as well. Try using almond extract, coconut extract, or even a bit of rum for a fun twist.
– Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use flour as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
– Cream Cheese: You can omit the cream cheese altogether if you prefer a lighter version of this recipe. Or, try using mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor.
– Sweetened Condensed Milk: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use unsweetened condensed milk instead. Alternatively, you can try using coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Whatever substitutions and variations you decide to make, just remember to keep the base of the recipe intact. The combination of moon pies, banana pudding, and whipped cream is what makes this dish so irresistible. So have fun experimenting, but don’t stray too far from this classic Southern treat!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing, the moon pie banana pudding recipe is a Southern classic that can hold its own in any social gathering. This dessert is packed with banana and marshmallow flavors, and it looks beautiful layered in a glass dessert dish.
For an impressive presentation, scoop the moon pie banana pudding into a deep glass trifle bowl, and garnish with some extra slices of ripe bananas and crumbles of moon pies. The caramel brown of the pie and the fresh yellow of the bananas against the white cream is guaranteed to get some oohs and aahs.
I recommend pairing this sweet treat with something tangy or mildly bitter like black tea or coffee. This will not only help balance out the sweetness but it also complements its Southern flavor profile. It’s perfect for a traditional dinner party or even a Mardi Gras celebration.
Another option is to serve this in individual small mason jars so that each guest can have their own portion, which makes it easier for outdoor gatherings as well. It’s casual yet informative in this setting.
This moon pie banana pudding recipe would make an excellent addition to any potluck or office party because it’s easy to make ahead and store, plus it serves a crowd. Add some whipped cream on top if you prefer your dessert extra indulgent.
Whatever you choose, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings for a creamy banana pudding while adding a fluffy marshmallow twist to it. So sit back, relax, and enjoy every bite of this decadently delicious dessert.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
We all know how crazy life can sometimes get, but don’t fret because this Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe is worth preparing in advance. Whether you’ll be whipping this up for a weekend gathering or a simple dessert after dinner with the family, you can easily make it ahead of time.
To make Moon Pie Banana Pudding in advance, prepare the recipe according to instructions and let it cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. Just before serving, add some banana slices on top to give a fresh and vibrant pop of flavor.
Storing this heavenly dessert is also easy as pie. Once assembled, cover the entire thing with plastic wrap or an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. However, resist the temptation to freeze the dish because the consistency of pudding changes when frozen and thawed.
Now, let’s talk reheating. You can reheat a piece of this beauty by first scooping out as much as you want to serve and put it in a microwave-safe dish or oven-safe ramekin. You can then warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through (usually takes about two minutes on high heat for the microwave). Just be sure not to overheat because it could ruin its creamy and silky texture.
In any case, just like any great Southern delicacy, there will be no leftovers or unneeded reheating because everyone will crave for more of this indulgent dessert loaded with chunks of Moon pies and creamy banana pudding topped with whipped cream that gives each bite an extra layer of decadence.
So go ahead, make some extra servings and have no worries because with every spoonful, your family or guests are bound to relish in joy – just like that first bite!
Tips for Perfect Results
I have tried and tested this recipe multiple times, and I’ve found a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect result for your Moon Pie Banana Pudding. Follow these tips to avoid any mistakes and make sure your pudding turns out soft, fluffy, and decadent.
First things first, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This is particularly important for the cream cheese as it will blend smoothly with the rest of the ingredients.
When making the vanilla pudding, be sure to whisk continuously over low heat until it thickens. If the heat is too high, the pudding might curdle or form lumps. To avoid this, make sure to whisk slowly and consistently.
While making the banana pudding mixture, measure all the ingredients with precision, particularly cornstarch and sugar. A small mistake in measurement can make your pudding either too thin or too thick.
A helpful tip for adding bananas to your pudding is slicing them flat side down. This way, they create a stable base when you layer them between Moon Pies and pudding.
For an extra flavorful twist, try using Moon Pies with different flavors like chocolate marshmallow or salted caramel. These variations add unique dimensions to the dish while retaining its southern charm.
Before refrigerating the final product, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from forming a skin on top. Also, it’s best to let the pudding set in the fridge for at least 2 hours so that all the layers blend together harmoniously.
Lastly, don’t forget to garnish with whipped cream and chunks of Moon Pies! This dessert is perfect for Mardi Gras parties or any occasion that calls for something sweet and indulgent.
With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to embark on this journey of creating one of the best Southern desserts ever made – Moon Pie Banana Pudding!
Bottom Line
So there you have it! My delicious and flavorful Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, or looking for a perfect dessert to wow your guests, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
With a decadent combination of moon pies, bananas, vanilla pudding, whipped cream and cream cheese, this recipe is the perfect marriage of different flavors and textures. And with the added bonus of being easy to make and customize according to your preference, I am confident that this dish will become one of your go-to dessert recipes.
Whether you’re from the Deep South or not, give this Moon Pie Banana Pudding recipe a try and let me know what you think. I promise you won’t regret it! And with Mardi Gras parties on the horizon, this recipe is perfect for those non-traditional gatherings that require a tasty treat.
So why not skip your typical bowl of ice cream or boring slice of cake? Satisfy your cravings and share a bit of Southern charm with everyone around you with my delicious Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe. Believe me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Moon Pie Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 chocolate marshmallow moon pies, cut into pieces
- 2 cups sugar
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip
Instructions
- Cut your Moon Pies into pieces, and place 4 pies worth of pieces into the bottom of a large oblong serving dish. Add a layer of two of the sliced bananas over that.
- Mix sugar and eggs together, blending well, in a large heavy saucepan. Add cornstarch and milk.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat stirring constantly. Cook until thickened.
- Remove pan from heat and add vanilla, mixing well. Allow to cool slightly.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the Moon Pies and bananas. Add your final 4 chopped Moon Pies and the 2 remaining sliced bananas on top of the pudding, then top with the rest of the pudding.
- Cover the top of the pudding with plastic wrap, laying it down on the pudding to prevent a "skin" from forming.
- Once the pudding is completely cooled, top with Cool Whip and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.