I just got back from Minnesota last week. I went home for my nephew’s graduation and while home, I got the chance to make my Dad a special father’s day dessert and he loved it. Okay, he maybe loved my Mother’s Dessert a bit more, but he still really liked it. He’s not a moron, people. He would never say he didn’t love it because Tanya Drama would ensue and that could get ugly. Fast. 😀
My Dad loves desserts. Loves. Them. If there wasn’t something sweet to finish his meal, he would likely fall off his chair. I cannot recall him ever passing up dessert. Me, I’d probably take an extra scoop (or three) of mashed potatoes instead.
He would never make that choice.
My Dad was the Chief Licker of spoons and bowls of anything sweet I made back when I lived at home. I never fought anyone to lick the frosting bowl. But I always wanted to lick clean the mashed potato bowl.
No one ever fought me for this. Fools.
Anyway, my Dad would sit patiently waiting for me to finish making frosting or whatnot with a slightly concerned look on his face. You see, my Dad had/has Tanya knife and mixer fear. He always thought that I might chop off a finger while slicing or dicing or stick a finger in the beater while it was whirling away.
I have never done this. Ever.
He also worries that I might light my hair on fire during the candlelight service on Christmas Eve.
I have also never done that.
Now that I think about it, my Dad must think I’m a bit nutters.
To be fair, I am. I am also a notorious klutz who once walked into a tree. But I digress.
These days I still make sweet treats but my Dad is miles away and unable to lick the bowl or spoons for me. He would probably be upset to learn that I don’t lick them either, although my garbage disposal sure enjoys them.
To be fair, this probably upsets my Mom too. 😀
Either way, I feel quite blessed to have such great, supportive parents who eat whatever the heck I make them, such as this amazing Banana Pudding Dessert.
A Father’s Day Treat
I waited to make this until I went home because I knew it made a lot, so we enjoyed it when we had everyone over to celebrate June birthdays (of which there are four). It was a huge hit, even with the picky eaters! I love how easy it is to make and the fact it was a no-bake dessert, especially since it was rather warm back in Minnesota.
The most important decision you have to make with this dessert is deciding whether you want the cookies crispy or softer when you serve it. You want to make it at least 3-5 hours in advance, so all the flavors can blend and if served immediately after this resting time, the cookies will remain crisp. For softer cookies, you can make it 8 hours or more in advance. It actually keeps well but the cookies will go soft.
Ingredients
- 2 bags Pepperidge Farms Chessman cookies (see notes)
- 4-6 bananas, sliced thickly
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (5 oz) box vanilla instant pudding
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese block, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Examine your Chessman cookies as some may have broken into pieces. Set aside 20 intact cookies for the top layer.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with one layer of Chessman cookies, broken pieces are fine.
- Add sliced bananas over the the cookie layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until smooth. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until nice and smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping.
- Combine the cream cheese mixture into the pudding mixture, stirring carefully until mixed together and smooth. Spread mixture over the bananas in an even layer.
- Top with another layer of Chessman cookies (4 cookies in 5 rows) and refrigerate. For crisp cookies, refrigerate for 3-5 hours, then serve. For softer cookies, refrigerate for 8 or more hours before serving. Leftovers will keep for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Notes
I have noticed that some stores no longer carry Pepperidge Farm Chessman cookies. You can use their shortbread cookies instead or Nila Wafers.
Recipe Source: Fav Family Recipes
Happy Father’s Day! I hope you have a wonderful day, although I know it won’t be truly spectacular since I’m not there. HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Tanya
I’ve seen similar recipes using Nilla wafers. I’m not a huge banana fan, but I know this is something the kids would love.
Your kids will definitely enjoy this and you’ll appreciate that it’s easy to make! 😀
You always have THE best dessert recipes. This is another one that’s going on our list of must-haves. BTW, my neighbor told me recently that they make deep-fried Oreos, dipped in Bisquick batter. How yummy does that sound? I’m afraid to try them. I may not be able to stop. 🙂
Thanks, Laurie! Whoa, those Oreos sound so dangerous. I bet there were inspired by the State Fair because if I recall correctly, they had something similar. I hope you enjoy the banana pudding dessert!