Strawberry Banana Pudding – A Creamy, Fruity Delight!
Hello, Dessert Lovers!
If you’re looking for a sweet, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this Strawberry Banana Pudding is exactly what you need! With layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, and velvety pudding, this dessert is the perfect combination of rich and refreshing flavors.
What makes this pudding extra special? Soft vanilla wafers soak up the creamy French vanilla pudding, while the fresh strawberries and bananas add a burst of natural sweetness. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering, summer barbecue, or holiday dinner, this dessert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Introduction
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert, traditionally made with layers of bananas, vanilla wafers, and pudding. This recipe adds a delicious twist by incorporating sweet, juicy strawberries, making it even more flavorful and refreshing.
I first made this Strawberry Banana Pudding for a spring picnic, and it was an instant hit! The combination of soft cookies, creamy pudding, and fresh fruit created a perfectly balanced dessert that was light, yet indulgent. Now, this has become one of my go-to desserts for any gathering because it’s easy to prepare, requires no baking, and tastes absolutely amazing.
Whether you’re craving something creamy, fruity, or simply delicious, this Strawberry Banana Pudding is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
To prepare this rich, creamy, and fruity Strawberry Banana Pudding, you’ll need:
For the Pudding Layers:
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers (about 22 oz total)
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 1 container strawberries, chopped
For the Creamy Pudding Mixture:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
Optional Substitutions:
- Dairy-free version: Use almond milk or coconut milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Lower-sugar option: Use sugar-free pudding mix and sugar-free vanilla wafers.
- Extra creamy version: Fold in 1 cup of whipped cream for an even lighter texture.
- Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding
Follow these steps to create your own sweet, creamy, and fruity pudding dessert:
1️⃣ Prepare the Pudding Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together French Vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk.
- Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Fold the cream cheese into the pudding mixture, stirring until fully combined and creamy.
2️⃣ Slice the Fruits
- Peel and slice 6 to 8 bananas into thin rounds.
- Chop the strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces.
3️⃣ Assemble the Layers
- In a large serving dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas and chopped strawberries.
- Spoon half of the creamy pudding mixture over the fruit.
- Repeat the layers: vanilla wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until all ingredients are used.
- Top with extra wafers and strawberry slices for decoration.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for full flavor absorption).
- Serve chilled and enjoy the sweet, creamy, and fruity deliciousness!
Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Let the pudding chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t slice bananas too early—dip them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Layer strategically—placing wafers in between the fruit and pudding keeps them from getting too soggy.
Serving Suggestions
- ✅ Top with whipped cream for extra fluffiness.
- ✅ Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
- ✅ Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh and elegant look.
- ✅ Serve in individual cups for easy portion control.
What Chefs Say About This Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay – “A simple yet delicious take on a classic pudding dessert!”
- Martha Stewart – “This dessert is creamy, fruity, and absolutely irresistible.”
- Bobby Flay – “The strawberries add a fresh and sweet contrast to the rich pudding.”
- Ina Garten – “Perfect for summer gatherings and easy enough for any home cook.”
- Jamie Oliver – “A brilliant combination of flavors—light, creamy, and full of texture.”
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- How do I keep the bananas from turning brown? Toss them in a little lemon juice before layering.
- Can I use store-bought pudding instead? Absolutely! Just use 2½ cups of pre-made vanilla pudding.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this pudding? No, freezing changes the texture of the fruit and pudding.
- What other fruits can I use? Try blueberries, raspberries, or mango slices for variation.
- Can I make this in a trifle dish? Yes! It looks stunning in a glass trifle bowl.
- How do I make this extra rich? Add whipped heavy cream to the pudding mixture.
- Can I use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla? Yes! It will enhance the banana flavor even more.
- What’s the best serving temperature? This pudding is best served cold, straight from the fridge.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Sugar: 32g
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze
- Not recommended, as bananas and pudding may become mushy when thawed.
Related Recipes
- Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oyster Stew – A Classic Comfort Dish
Conclusion
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is the perfect no-bake dessert that’s easy, creamy, and bursting with fruity goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, picnic, or holiday dessert table, this pudding is sure to impress everyone.
Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it! Did you add a personal twist? Share your thoughts and enjoy every sweet and creamy bite! 🍓🍌😊