If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is absolutely going to become your new best friend. Creamy, smooth banana pudding mingles with juicy strawberries and fresh banana slices, all layered with irresistible vanilla wafers and a crackly, sweet strawberry-infused cookie crunch on top. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s both nostalgic and excitingly fresh. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this dessert is pure magic made simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how brilliantly each one works together to create a dessert that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Each component plays a crucial role, from the pudding’s silky richness to the fresh fruit’s bright pop and the crunchy topping’s satisfying bite.
- Instant banana pudding mix: The base that gives you that classic banana flavor and thick, creamy texture.
- Cold milk: Needed to whisk and activate the pudding mix, ensuring it sets perfectly smooth.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds extra creaminess and just the right hint of sweetness to the pudding.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip): Lightens the pudding mixture and adds a velvety softness throughout.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm and fragrant note.
- Sliced fresh strawberries: Brings juicy freshness and vibrant color to every spoonful.
- Ripe bananas, sliced: Contributes natural sweetness and that familiar comforting banana flavor.
- Vanilla wafer cookies: Classic layering ingredient that absorbs pudding moisture but stays delightfully tender.
- Golden Oreos, crushed: Offers a buttery crunch and contrasting texture to the creamy pudding layers.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: Intensifies strawberry flavor and adds a unique, crispy pop to the topping.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Pudding Mixture
Start by whisking the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until it thickens into a luscious, silky base. This is your dessert’s creamy heart, so give it the attention it deserves! Once thickened, fold in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and half of the whipped topping gently to maintain a light and smooth texture.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
While the pudding sets, mix the crushed Golden Oreos with the crushed freeze-dried strawberries in a separate bowl. This creates a delightful topping that’s crunchy, sweet, and bursting with real strawberry flavor — the perfect contrast to the creamy pudding layers.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In a 9×13-inch dish or a large trifle bowl, build your masterpiece by starting with a layer of vanilla wafers. Follow those with sliced bananas and fresh strawberries, then add a generous layer of your banana pudding mixture. Repeat this layering process until you use all the ingredients, making sure you end with a final layer of pudding on top.
Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping and Crunch
Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the last pudding layer to create a fluffy cap. Finally, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping liberally over the whipped topping. This finishing touch will give your pudding its signature snap and fruity zest.
Step 5: Chill
Place your creation in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to settle into a perfect, spoonable consistency.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe even more inviting, consider garnishing with a few whole fresh strawberries or banana slices on top right before serving. A sprinkle of extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries adds a beautiful pop of color and texture that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This dessert is wonderfully versatile but pairs especially well with light, fresh accompaniments. Think simple mint leaves or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side to complement the pudding’s creamy richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pudding in individual clear cups or mason jars for a charming, personal touch perfect for parties. Layering the pudding visibly through the glass showcases all the beautiful colors and textures. Another idea is to turn it into parfaits topped with a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an extra splash of sweetness and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this dessert a little bit longer.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dessert because the textures of the pudding and fresh fruit can change and become watery once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating. If anything, popping it back in the fridge for a bit before serving will refresh its cool, creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw the frozen strawberries and drain any excess juice before layering them in the recipe to prevent sogginess. The flavor will still be fantastic.
What can I substitute for Golden Oreos if I can’t find them?
You can use any vanilla or plain sandwich cookies as a substitute, or even graham cracker crumbs for a slightly different texture. The goal is to add a buttery, sweet crunch in the topping.
Is this pudding recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no gelatin or animal-based ingredients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, try substituting the milk and sweetened condensed milk with appropriate plant-based alternatives, and look for dairy-free whipped topping brands. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
How long in advance can I prepare the pudding?
This pudding is best made the day before you plan to serve it, allowing it to chill and the flavors to meld. If you prepare it more than 24 hours in advance, fresh fruit layers might begin to turn, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe a whirl because it’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together and fills the kitchen with happy smiles. It’s fuss-free, delicious, and perfect for any occasion where you want to share love through food. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to favorite!
Print
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delightful no-bake layered dessert combining creamy instant banana pudding with fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, and a crunchy topping of Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for chilled summer treats and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
Crunch Topping
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
- 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare Banana Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Then, stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and half of the whipped topping, folding gently until fully combined to create a smooth pudding mixture.
- Make Strawberry Crunch Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos and crushed freeze-dried strawberries, mixing well to create the strawberry crunch topping that adds texture and flavor to the dessert.
- Assemble Layers: In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, start by layering vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by sliced strawberries, then spread a layer of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring to finish with a final layer of pudding.
- Add Final Touches: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top layer of pudding. Sprinkle generously with the strawberry crunch topping made from Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with thawed frozen strawberries if fresh are not available.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a layer of strawberry jam between the pudding and fruit layers.
- This dessert is best served chilled, so allow sufficient refrigeration time before serving.
