If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a luscious, creamy treat layered with fresh fruit and crispy vanilla wafers that soften just enough to melt in your mouth. The balance between the sweet strawberries, mellow bananas, and that rich pudding cream creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly delightful. Whether for a family gathering or a sweet weekday indulgence, this recipe is simple to assemble but feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a cabinet full of fancy items to make this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe come to life. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from creating that velvety pudding base to adding brightness and crunch with fruit and wafers.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection, it adds lightness and extraordinary creaminess to the pudding mixture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings a rich, sweet depth that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The heart of the dish for that smooth vanilla flavor and pudding texture.
- Cold milk: Activates the pudding mix and helps create a silky consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the vanilla notes and adds warmth to the flavor profile.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Provide a juicy, tart contrast that brightens every spoonful.
- Ripe bananas, sliced: Give natural sweetness and a creamy texture that melds perfectly with the pudding.
- Vanilla wafers: Add a delightful crunch and soak up the pudding, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pudding base
Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl. You’ll want to whisk briskly until the pudding thickens, which usually takes about two minutes. Then, mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract for that rich, sweet, and aromatic foundation.
Step 2: Whip the cream to stiff peaks
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it holds stiff peaks. This step is key to the texture of your pudding—it makes the final dessert incredibly light and fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into your pudding mixture to maintain that airy feel while blending all the flavors together.
Step 3: Assemble the layers
Choose a beautiful trifle dish or a classic 9×13-inch baking dish to start your layered masterpiece. Lay down the vanilla wafers first for a crunchy foundation, then add a layer of banana slices, followed by fresh strawberries. Spoon half the pudding mixture over the layers, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Repeat and chill
Now, repeat the layering with vanilla wafers, bananas, and strawberries, finishing with the remaining pudding mixture spread on top. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling time is what allows the flavors to mingle and the wafers to soften perfectly.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, brightening up the pudding with extra sliced strawberries or bananas adds an inviting, fresh look. Feel free to sprinkle a few crushed vanilla wafers on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. A sprig of mint can add a lovely pop of color and freshness too!
Side Dishes
This pudding is a complete dessert on its own, but pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or lightly sweetened iced tea can elevate your entire dessert experience. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the rich pudding nicely during a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this classic pudding in individual glass cups or mason jars for charming, personalized desserts that wow guests. Another fun idea is to layer it in small parfait glasses with alternating stripes of pudding, fruit, and crumbled wafers to show off its beautiful layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to blend, but the wafers might become softer, which many people actually enjoy as it makes the pudding even creamier.
Freezing
Freezing this pudding is generally not recommended because the whipped cream and fresh fruit can lose their texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or chilled from the fridge within a few days.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly softer, simply leave it at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could water down the pudding.
Is there a dairy-free version of this pudding?
You can substitute coconut cream for heavy whipping cream and use a dairy-free pudding mix and milk alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free. However, the texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does it take for the wafers to soften?
The wafers soften beautifully after at least 4 hours of chilling, absorbing the flavors and moisture from the pudding and fruit. Overnight chilling ensures the best texture and flavor melding.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peach slices. Just keep in mind that the key to this recipe is balancing sweetness and creaminess, so choose fruits that harmonize well with vanilla and bananas.
What type of pudding mix works best?
Instant vanilla pudding mix is best for this recipe because it thickens quickly and blends smoothly without cooking. Avoid cook-and-serve puddings, as they require different preparation techniques.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is one of those magical desserts that brings people together with its comforting yet fresh flavors. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for celebrations, making it a versatile favorite you’ll want to keep in your recipe collection. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a sweet tradition in your home just like it is in mine.
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Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a luscious, creamy, no-bake dessert perfect for warm days or any time you want a sweet treat. Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, and ripe bananas are enveloped in a rich vanilla pudding made from instant pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream. Chilled for hours to meld flavors and soften the wafers, this dessert is simple to assemble and delightfully satisfying for family and friends.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Fruit & Layers
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (about 12 oz) vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and stir until fully combined.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the pudding: In a trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, place a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
- Repeat the layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by the remaining banana and strawberry slices. Spread the rest of the pudding mixture on top, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step allows flavors to meld and the wafers to soften for the perfect texture.
- Serve: Just before serving, optionally garnish with extra slices of strawberries or bananas. Scoop portions to enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming mushy too quickly.
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight for the wafers to soften fully.
- Substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- You can add chopped nuts or shredded coconut between layers for extra texture.
- To keep bananas from browning, lightly coat slices with lemon juice before layering.
