Imagine a dessert that brings bursts of berry-bright flavor, luscious creaminess, and nostalgic comfort with every spoonful. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Strawberry Banana Pudding. It’s a beautiful marriage of sun-ripened strawberries, sweet bananas, billowy whipped cream, and classic vanilla wafers—layered together and chilled to perfection. Each bite reminds you that summer memories can be made any time of year, especially when you share something as delightful and easy as this with friends and family.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pudding:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the layers:
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1: Whisk Together the Pudding Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk these together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is thick and smooth. The pudding should feel luxuriously creamy at this point—no lumps, just pure comfort!

Step 2: Sweeten the Deal

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into your pudding and whisk again until it’s completely incorporated. You’ll notice the pudding gets a lovely glossy sheen and a slightly richer, silkier texture—this is where the magic really begins to happen.

Step 3: Whip up the Cream

In a separate bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer (or plenty of elbow grease) until soft peaks form. This whipped cream brings an impossibly light and airy body to your Strawberry Banana Pudding.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gently fold the whipped cream into your pudding mixture. Take your time—use a spatula and lift up from the bottom, turning the bowl as you go. This keeps the mixture light and prevents it from deflating, resulting in a super fluffy pudding that’s fit for dessert royalty.

Step 5: Layer the Goodness

Grab a trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by laying down a foundation of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices, then strawberry slices, and spoon a generous layer of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat these layers until you’ve used everything up, finishing with a cloud of pudding as your top layer. The visual contrast is so inviting!

Step 6: Chill and Meld

Cover your masterpiece and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you have the patience. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften slightly, transforming every bite into something outrageously good.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, top your pudding with extra strawberry and banana slices. A sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers adds both crunch and charm. If you’re feeling playful, a dollop of whipped cream and a few mint leaves can make your Strawberry Banana Pudding look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pudding is perfectly indulgent on its own, but you can lighten up a dessert spread with some crisp butter cookies or a platter of fresh fruit. An iced coffee or fruity iced tea also makes a great companion for a cool, creamy bowl of this treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, try serving Strawberry Banana Pudding in individual mason jars or elegant glasses for a personal touch. Layering in clear containers shows off all those stunning layers. Mini parfait glasses or even a big, family-sized trifle dish let you play with presentation—from casual to fancy, the options are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered. The pudding stays at its best for up to 2 days—after that, the bananas may start to brown and the texture changes. For optimal freshness, add extra fruit garnish just before serving instead of ahead of time.

Freezing

While most puddings don’t freeze particularly well, Strawberry Banana Pudding is best enjoyed fresh. The fruit and wafers may become mushy when thawed, so freezing is not recommended for this dessert. If you must freeze, do so in an airtight container and know that the texture may not be as stellar when thawed.

Reheating

This is a chilled dessert and doesn’t need reheating. In fact, it’s at its most refreshing straight from the fridge! For serving, simply scoop the cold pudding into bowls and add any reserved garnishes for extra appeal.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade vanilla pudding recipe you love, feel free to use it as the base. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before you start layering to keep the whipped cream from melting.

What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?

If vanilla wafers aren’t available, try using graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even ladyfingers. Each option brings its own unique texture and flavor to the Strawberry Banana Pudding.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

A little lemon juice goes a long way! Lightly toss your banana slices in lemon juice before layering to keep them looking fresh and inviting, even after a day or two in the fridge.

Can I make Strawberry Banana Pudding dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free pudding mix, your favorite plant-based milk, and swap coconut cream for the heavy cream. There are also great vegan sweetened condensed “milks” available to keep this dessert as creamy as the original.

What’s the best way to transport this dessert to a party?

Assemble the pudding in a lidded trifle or casserole dish that seals well. Keep it cold in a cooler until ready to serve, then add fresh fruit and wafer toppings just before presenting for picture-perfect results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and fresh, Strawberry Banana Pudding checks every box. It’s simple, stunning, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite that everyone requests time and time again!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and fruity delight of this Strawberry Banana Pudding, a luscious no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and a heavenly pudding mixture come together to create a treat that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pudding:

1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the layers:

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Layer: In a trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, strawberry slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Before serving, top with extra strawberries and banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

Notes

To prevent the bananas from browning, you can lightly toss them in lemon juice before layering.
For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of fresh whipped cream.
This dessert is best enjoyed within 2 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American