If you’re a fan of classic banana pudding, get ready to take things up a notch with this Strawberry Banana Pudding! This creamy, no-bake dessert layers sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and velvety French Vanilla pudding with crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a show-stopping treat.
This pudding is a breeze to make, and its fruity sweetness paired with a creamy texture will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s whip it up together!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Fruity and Creamy Layers: The combination of fresh bananas and strawberries with creamy pudding is irresistible.
- No-Bake Convenience: This dessert comes together without ever turning on the oven!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or holiday gatherings – and it feeds a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The pudding gets even better after sitting in the fridge, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers: These classic cookies create the perfect base and layers for the pudding.
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced: Sweet, ripe bananas are key for flavor.
- 1 container strawberries, chopped: Adds a refreshing burst of sweetness and color.
- 2 cups milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy pudding.
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix: The star ingredient for a rich, velvety pudding.
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened: Adds a tangy richness to the pudding mixture.
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens the pudding to perfection.
- 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or equal amount sweetened whipped cream): For a light, fluffy finish.
Tools You’ll Need
- A large mixing bowl
- A hand or stand mixer
- A whisk
- A 9×13-inch dish (or similar size) for layering
- A spatula for spreading the pudding layers
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the French Vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, then gently mix this with the prepared pudding.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Base Layer: Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of your 9×13-inch dish.
- Banana Layer: Top the wafers with an even layer of sliced bananas.
- Pudding Layer: Spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Strawberry Layer: Sprinkle the chopped strawberries evenly over the pudding.
Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Step 3: Garnish and Chill
Crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top for decoration. For an extra touch, add a few strawberry slices or banana rounds as garnish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: Letting the pudding sit in the fridge helps soften the wafers and blend the flavors.
- Prevent browning: Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
- Customize it: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or sprinkle in some crushed nuts for extra flair.
What to Serve with Strawberry Banana Pudding
This dessert is a standout on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Fresh fruit on the side to balance the creaminess.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the bananas may soften further over time, but the flavor will still be incredible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.
Can I substitute the whipped topping?
Of course! You can use an equal amount of sweetened whipped cream instead. Just whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches would make great additions or substitutions.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the vanilla wafers for gluten-free cookies or biscuits.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 35g
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a dreamy dessert that combines fresh fruit with creamy, indulgent layers. Whether you’re making it for a family get-together or just because, it’s guaranteed to delight everyone who takes a bite.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos on Instagram or Pinterest, and let me know if you added any fun twists.
Happy layering and enjoy every spoonful! 🍓🍌✨