Description

Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a luscious, layered dessert combining creamy banana pudding, sweet strawberry sauce, and a crunchy topping made from vanilla wafers and brown sugar. This no-bake chilled treat offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for gatherings or an indulgent everyday dessert.

Ingredients

Banana Pudding

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large bananas, sliced
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Strawberry Sauce

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Crunch Topping

1 cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup crushed strawberries (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Fold in Bananas and Cool: Gently fold the sliced bananas into the pudding mixture. Allow the pudding to cool for about 15 minutes to slightly thicken and avoid melting the whipped topping.
Incorporate Whipped Topping: Once cooled, carefully fold in the whipped topping until the pudding mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Make the Strawberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Crunch Topping: In a small bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and optional crushed strawberries. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and evenly combined.
Assemble the Dessert: In individual serving cups or a large trifle dish, layer half of the banana pudding mixture, then spread a layer of strawberry sauce over it. Repeat with the remaining pudding and strawberry sauce layers. Top everything with the prepared crunch topping to finish.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld and the pudding set. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.

Notes

For a dairy-free alternative, substitute whole milk and whipped topping with plant-based options.
Use fresh strawberries in season for the best flavor, or frozen ones when out of season.
Crushing the vanilla wafers or graham crackers to a medium-coarse texture adds the best crunch.
The optional crushed strawberries in the topping add extra strawberry flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Ensure you cool the pudding before adding whipped topping to prevent it from melting.
This dessert is best served within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.