Who doesn’t love a creamy, dreamy dessert that feels like a hug in every bite? This Strawberry Banana Pudding is just that—layers of luscious custard, fresh fruit, and a touch of nostalgia, all coming together in a treat that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for dessert lovers everywhere. It’s perfect for casual evenings at home or a showstopper at your next potluck. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Banana Pudding
This dessert isn’t just delicious; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Fresh and Fruity: The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy bananas is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and a little love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or a quiet night in, this pudding fits right in.
- Customizable: Want to mix it up? Try adding a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of crushed cookies for extra flair.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dessert always disappears quickly, with everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients
Here’s the magic behind this creamy delight:
Vanilla Pudding Mix
The creamy base of the dish that ties everything together with its rich flavor.
Milk
Brings the pudding mix to life with a silky, smooth texture.
Strawberries
Fresh, juicy, and bursting with flavor—these add a vibrant pop of color and sweetness.
Bananas
Soft, sweet slices that pair perfectly with the strawberries and pudding.
Whipped Cream
Light, fluffy, and oh-so-indulgent, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
Vanilla Wafers
Classic and crunchy, these add a delightful contrast to the creamy layers.
Instructions to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding
Let’s bring this dessert to life!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash and slice the strawberries, and peel and slice the bananas. Set them aside while you prepare the pudding.
Step 2: Make the Pudding
In a mixing bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Layer the Goodness
In a serving dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Follow with a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries. Spread a generous layer of pudding over the fruit.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until you’ve used all your ingredients. End with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with additional whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and crushed wafers for garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1/12 of the dessert
Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding
- As a Standalone Dessert: This pudding shines on its own, with no need for extras.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort treat.
- At a Party: Serve in individual cups for easy portioning and a beautiful presentation.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Make this pudding a day ahead—it tastes even better after sitting overnight.
- Swap Fruits: Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or even pineapple for a fruity twist.
- Layer Creativity: Use a trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers of fruit, pudding, and wafers.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use instant pudding mix?
Yes, instant pudding works perfectly and saves time!
Q2: How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free pudding mix and plant-based milk.
Q4: How long will leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I freeze this pudding?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture may change when thawed.
Conclusion
Strawberry Banana Pudding is one of those desserts that never fails to impress. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or just because, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. So grab those fresh strawberries and bananas, and let’s create some sweet, delicious memories!
PrintStrawberry Banana Pudding
This delightful Strawberry Banana Pudding is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping, this pudding is topped off with juicy strawberries and crunchy vanilla wafers. A delicious treat for the whole family!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None (Chill time: 2-3 hours)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Layered
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Pudding:
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 container strawberries, chopped
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping (thawed) or an equal amount of sweetened whipped cream
Instructions
- Layer the Base: Line the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish with 1 bag of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top.
- Prepare the Pudding: In a bowl, combine the milk and the pudding mix. Use a handheld electric mixer to blend until smooth.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Combine Pudding and Cream Mixtures: Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until completely blended.
- Assemble: Pour the pudding mixture over the layers of cookies and bananas. Top with chopped strawberries and cover with the remaining vanilla wafers.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dessert until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
- Feel free to use sweetened whipped cream as a substitute for whipped topping for a more natural taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra sweetness, you can add a drizzle of honey or caramel on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the dessert
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg