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I came across this knockoff version while trying to match that incredible banana pudding from the Chick-fil-A Dwarf House I tasted in Atlanta last summer. Believe me, if you haven't tried it yet, you're really missing something special! My homemade take comes amazingly close to their original and has now become the dessert I always bring to family get-togethers.
My father typically skips dessert altogether, but he wolfed down three helpings of this at our recent barbecue and then wanted to take leftovers home. That's when I knew I'd nailed this recipe!
Ingredients List
- Vanilla pudding mix: Grab the instant boxed type for best results. Skip banana-flavored pudding - it doesn't taste natural and isn't what Chick-fil-A puts in theirs.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This gives you that smooth, creamy foundation that makes the pudding so distinctive. Don't try anything else!
- Heavy whipping cream: Whip fresh cream until it forms firm peaks for an incredibly airy, light dessert texture.
- Marshmallow fluff: The hidden component that most copycat versions forget! It adds just the right hint of sweetness and consistency to match the original.
- Fresh bananas: Pick ones that show mostly yellow with a few brown speckles - ripe but still firm enough to slice.
- Nilla wafers: Don't swap these out! These specific vanilla cookies turn wonderfully soft and cake-like, which you can't get with other brands.
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Preparation Steps
Creating The Perfect BaseI've learned that super cold water helps the pudding thicken better. Mix it thoroughly with the condensed milk before you add the pudding mix - this stops those annoying lumps that you can't get rid of later.
Getting The Cream Just RightStart by whipping the cream to soft peaks, then mix in the marshmallow fluff. This way it blends more smoothly without overmixing. When you combine it with the pudding, use a rubber spatula and gentle scooping motions to keep all the fluffiness intact.
Smart Assembly MethodI put down a complete bottom layer of cookies first - they soak up moisture from the pudding and turn wonderfully soft. Place bananas right above the cookies so pudding surrounds them, which somewhat slows down their browning.
Worth The WaitThis is definitely the toughest part! You'll need to chill it at least 4 hours before eating, but leaving it overnight works even better. This resting time lets the cookies soften up and all the flavors blend together properly.
The Truth About Those BananasI appreciate being straightforward about banana discoloration - nothing really stops it completely! For family meals, I just let nature take its course since it doesn't change the taste. But when serving guests or trying to wow someone, I'll prepare everything else ahead and add fresh banana slices just before bringing it out.
I've also found that lightly coating banana pieces with a tiny bit of lemon juice can delay browning somewhat, but go very easy or you'll change the flavor.
Ways To Serve
The pudding looks stunning in a clear trifle bowl where everyone can admire the layers. For casual family meals, I put it in a 9x13 dish, but for fancier occasions, I sometimes pour it into individual mason jars or dessert glasses for a more sophisticated look.
It goes wonderfully with coffee or, for a true Southern touch, a glass of sweet iced tea. To make it extra fancy, I sometimes top each portion with a little extra whipped cream and place a perfect vanilla wafer on top.
Custom Variations
Consider adding a layer of drained crushed pineapple for something different and tropical. Drizzling homemade caramel between layers turns this into something truly luxurious. For grown-up gatherings, a little splash of banana liqueur mixed into the pudding adds wonderful complexity.
Keeping It Fresh
This stays good in the fridge for around 2-3 days before the bananas turn too mushy. After that point, the texture isn't quite right though it still tastes delicious. Unfortunately, don't try freezing it - it'll completely fall apart when thawed.
If you think you'll have extras, maybe make a smaller separate batch without bananas, then add freshly cut banana slices when you're ready to enjoy round two.
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Delightful Southern Comfort
My grandma always told me banana pudding is the perfect sweet treat because it improves with time, just like the tales we share. There's something truly heartwarming about watching those cookies transform into soft, cake-like layers and how everything melds together. This version captures that homey, passed-down quality that makes the Chick-fil-A pudding so wonderful - it tastes like it came from a treasured family recipe book, not a fast food restaurant!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Put it together the day before so the flavors can blend, and it tastes even better.
- → Why does the pudding look watery initially?
- Don't stress! Once it chills and the wafers soak up moisture, it thickens beautifully.
- → What stops bananas from turning brown?
- To keep bananas looking fresh, slice and add them right before you’re ready to serve.
- → What makes this stand out from regular banana pudding?
- The marshmallow fluff mixed in gives the whipped cream a unique, airy touch that makes it special.
- → Does this dessert actually come from Chick-fil-A?
- Kind of! Chick-fil-A serves it in certain regions, but this makes it easy to enjoy wherever you are.
Banana Style Pudding
Rich and indulgent, this banana pudding mimics Chick-fil-A's, using creamy vanilla layers, fresh bananas, and tender Nilla wafers that soften to perfection when chilled.
Ingredients
→ Pudding Mix
→ Cream Topping
→ Layers
Steps
Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth. Toss in the pudding mix and whisk fast until it’s lump-free. Cover it up and chill for about 4 hours until firm.
In another big bowl, beat the cream until it’s fluffy and soft peaks form. Add the marshmallow fluff and whip again until stiff peaks hold.
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pudding a little at a time. Stir gently, keeping the mixture light and fluffy, until it looks blended with just a few streaks.
Take a 9x13 pan or large glass bowl and start layering: cookies on the bottom, banana slices, then a third of the cream mix. Do this two more times, finishing with cream on top.
Sprinkle crushed cookie chunks on top if you want. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Tastes better if left to sit overnight before eating
- Don’t worry if the pudding looks thin at first. It thickens in the fridge.
- Keep the bananas fresh-looking by adding the slices right before serving.
Required Tools
- A large glass dish or 9x13 pan
- Big mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
Allergy Information
Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
- Made with dairy products (milk, cream)
- Nilla Cookies contain wheat
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
- Calories: 380
- Fats: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Proteins: 5 g