Description

This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delightful no-bake dessert that layers creamy banana pudding with ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and a crunchy strawberry Oreo topping. Combining smooth cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with instant banana pudding, it offers a rich, fluffy texture with a fresh strawberry twist from freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin mix. Perfectly chilled for hours, this layered treat is both visually appealing and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or family nights.

Ingredients

Pudding Mixture

1 (3.4-ounce) box instant banana pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Fruit and Crunch Toppings

4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 1/2 cups chopped Golden Oreos (divided)
1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry-flavored gelatin mix (divided)

Base Layer

1 box vanilla wafers

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Instructions

Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until the mixture thickens, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and homogeneous.
Combine Pudding and Cream Cheese: Fold the prepared banana pudding into the cream cheese mixture gently. Then, carefully fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a luscious pudding base.
Create the Strawberry Crunch Topping: Using a food processor, pulse 1 cup of the Golden Oreos together with 1 cup of the freeze-dried strawberries or one packet of strawberry gelatin mix. Process until you achieve a coarse crumb texture. Set aside this crunchy topping.
Assemble the Layers: In a 9×13-inch dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers evenly at the bottom. Top with half of the sliced bananas, then spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat this layering once more with wafers, bananas, and pudding.
Add the Crunchy Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared strawberry Oreo crumble over the assembled pudding layers. Then, garnish with the remaining chopped Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries to add extra texture and vibrant flavor.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set fully. For best results, chill overnight before serving.

Notes

For a stronger strawberry flavor, substitute freeze-dried strawberries with strawberry gelatin mix in the crunch topping.
This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.