If you’re craving a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and downright irresistible, you have to try this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of luscious vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers all layered into a delightful treat that feels like a homemade hug. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or as a sweet surprise for yourself, this pudding combines simple ingredients into a spectacular display of flavors and textures that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is super simple, but each element plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and freshness. From the rich heavy whipping cream to the crisp vanilla wafers, every component makes this pudding shine.
- Heavy whipping cream: Provides that fluffy, creamy texture that elevates the pudding to a dreamy consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and richness, making the pudding irresistibly smooth.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The star base that sets the flavor and structure with classic vanilla notes.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding mix thicken perfectly for that luscious mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor and brings warmth to the overall taste.
- Fresh strawberries: Offers a juicy burst of fruity freshness and vibrant color with every bite.
- Ripe bananas: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Vanilla wafers: Provide a light crunch and subtle vanilla flavor, essential for layering.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Start by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl until it thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Once thickened, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This pudding base forms the decadent foundation of your dessert.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream adds luxurious lightness to the pudding mixture. Gently fold it into your pudding base, combining carefully so it stays fluffy and smooth without losing volume.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
Choose a beautiful trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling. Begin with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom for crunch. Next, layer sliced bananas and then fresh strawberries. Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers, smoothing it gently.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering with another round of vanilla wafers, bananas, and strawberries. Finally, spread the remaining pudding mixture on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula for a polished look.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time lets the flavors meld perfectly and softens the vanilla wafers to a cake-like texture, making every spoonful a delightful experience.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to enjoy, garnish with extra fresh strawberry or banana slices if you like a little more color and texture. Scoop into bowls or spoons and savor each creamy, fruity bite of this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the presentation and adds texture contrast. Fresh sliced strawberries and bananas are classic, but a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a mint leaf can add a touch of elegance and freshness.
Side Dishes
This pudding stands beautifully on its own as a dessert, but if you want to serve it alongside something, consider light options like a crisp green salad or some toasted nuts to complement the creamy richness without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this strawberry banana pudding recipe in individual glass jars or parfait cups for a charming and portable dessert. Layering with colorful fruits visible through the glass makes for an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe should be kept covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the vanilla wafers will continue to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this pudding because the texture of the fresh fruit and whipped cream can suffer upon thawing. The delicate creaminess and fruit freshness are best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating does not apply. Serve directly from the refrigerator for the best experience. If the pudding seems a little firm after long storage, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture that might make the pudding watery.
Is it possible to make this pudding recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free pudding mix, plus a plant-based milk alternative for the cold milk. This will change the flavor slightly but still make a delicious dessert.
How long does this pudding take to set?
It needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly, but overnight chilling is best to let the flavors meld and the vanilla wafers soften beautifully.
Can I prepare this pudding a day in advance?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe benefits from resting overnight, so preparing it a day ahead is both convenient and recommended.
What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?
If you don’t have vanilla wafers, you can use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even crushed pound cake pieces for an equally tasty base layer.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and spectacular to serve. Its creamy pudding, fresh fruit, and crunchy layers create a harmony of flavors and textures that feel like a special treat anytime. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to desserts for every occasion!
Print
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and smooth vanilla pudding. Perfectly chilled for several hours, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Ideal for summer gatherings or any time you crave a quick and easy no-bake treat.
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 and 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 until the pudding thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Then add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the pudding: In a trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by placing a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add 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, then the remaining banana and strawberry slices. Spread the remaining pudding mixture on top, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with extra slices of strawberries or bananas. Scoop and enjoy this creamy and fruity dessert!
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option, though it will alter the texture.
- Use fresh, ripe fruit to ensure the best taste and natural sweetness.
- The pudding can be made a day ahead, making it great for entertaining.
- If desired, garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of crushed vanilla wafers before serving.
