Maple Pecan Chessmen Banana Pudding with Spiced Pears
This unapologetically rich banana pudding blends Southern charm with cozy fall flavors think maple, pecan, and spiced pears. A crowd-pleaser that layers creamy pudding with bananas, buttery cookies, and nutty crunch in every bite.
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
- electric mixer
- Skillet
Ingredients
Spiced Pears
- 2 ripe pears peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container whipped topping thawed
Assembly
- 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
- 4 bananas ripe but firm, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans toasted and chopped
Instructions
- In a skillet, simmer diced pears with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of water until soft but holding shape. Cool completely.
- In one bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until thickened. In another, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Combine both mixtures.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 dish with Chessmen cookies. Top with sliced bananas and half of the spiced pears.
- Spread half the pudding mixture on top. Add another layer of cookies, bananas, pears, and remaining pudding.
- Top with more cookies and scatter chopped pecans over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Use lemon juice to prevent bananas from browning.
- Swap pears or add banana bread cookies for a fun twist.
- Make it lighter by using low-fat dairy or skipping a cookie layer.
- Best made a day ahead for peak flavor.