When you want a dessert that’s an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat, this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is your go-to treat. Layered with creamy vanilla pudding, fresh, sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Easy, no-bake, and perfect for sharing, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is a breeze because it uses straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From creamy pudding to fresh fruit and crisp cookies, every component plays a part in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The foundation of creamy, luscious pudding that sets quickly without baking.
- Cold milk: Essential for whisking the pudding mix to a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Whipped topping: Adds lightness and creaminess to the pudding mixture while keeping it airy.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the vanilla flavor for a richer taste.
- Ripe bananas (sliced): Offer natural sweetness and softness, perfectly complementing the creamy pudding.
- Fresh strawberries (sliced): Bring vibrant color and a juicy pop of tartness that balances the dessert.
- Vanilla wafer cookies: For crunch and that classic banana pudding nostalgia, either whole or crushed.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Base
Start by combining the instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens beautifully. This quick step creates the silky, creamy base that ties the whole dessert together.
Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping and Vanilla
Once your pudding has set, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping along with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a fluffy texture and amplifies the vanilla flavor, making the pudding irresistible and light on the palate.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In your chosen serving dish or in individual cups, create layers starting with a few spoonfuls of the pudding mixture. Next, add sliced bananas, followed by fresh strawberries and a handful of vanilla wafer cookies. Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding topped with a dollop of whipped topping for a picture-perfect finish.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Place the assembled pudding in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps all the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the vanilla wafers slightly, giving your pudding a wonderful balance between creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafer cookies, a few whole fresh strawberries, or a banana slice on top makes this dessert look as fabulous as it tastes. You can even add a mint leaf for a pop of green that brings freshness and charm to your serving.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance its sweetness. For a summer vibe, serve alongside light lemon bars or almond biscotti for added texture on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional bowl by assembling the pudding in clear mason jars or elegant parfait glasses. This allows those gorgeous layers of strawberries, bananas, pudding, and wafers to shine through and impress your guests visually before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though the cookies might soften further, so enjoying it sooner is best for optimum texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dessert is not recommended as the whipped topping and fresh fruit will lose their texture and become watery once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, cold dessert, reheating is not necessary or advised. It tastes best chilled, allowing that creamy, refreshing quality to shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While you can use frozen strawberries, they tend to release extra moisture when thawed, which can make the pudding watery. For the best flavor and texture, fresh strawberries are ideal.
Is there a dairy-free version of this pudding?
Absolutely! You can substitute dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free whipped topping to keep this dessert vegan and allergy-friendly.
Can I prepare the pudding without instant mix from scratch?
You could make homemade vanilla pudding, but the instant mix keeps this recipe super quick and easy. Homemade pudding would require cooking and chilling before assembling.
How do I prevent banana slices from browning in the pudding?
To keep bananas looking fresh, add them just before serving or toss them lightly in lemon juice to slow down oxidation if preparing ahead of time.
What can I use if I don’t have vanilla wafer cookies?
Shortbread cookies or graham crackers make excellent substitutes that offer a similar sweet crunch and texture to complement the pudding layers.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is truly a delightful add to any dessert lineup, blending ease with deliciousness in every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, it’s one of those recipes that brings smiles all around. Go ahead, dive into this creamy, fruity, crunchy masterpiece—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delicious no-bake layered dessert featuring creamy vanilla instant pudding combined with fresh bananas, strawberries, and vanilla wafer cookies. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped cream, this easy-to-make pudding is a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pudding
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping (plus extra for layering)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit & Layers
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookies (whole or crushed)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Fold in whipped topping and vanilla: Gently fold the whipped topping and vanilla extract into the pudding mixture until smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble layers: In a serving dish or individual cups, create layers by spooning a few spoonfuls of pudding at the bottom, then adding sliced bananas, followed by sliced strawberries, and a layer of vanilla wafer cookies. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients have been used, finishing with a layer of pudding topped with a dollop of whipped topping.
- Chill the pudding: Place the assembled pudding in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to meld and the vanilla wafers to soften slightly for a perfect texture.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use low-fat milk and light whipped topping.
- Prepare the pudding ahead of time, but add the banana slices just before serving to prevent them from browning.
- Garnish with extra fresh fruit or crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal.
