Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Banana Pudding takes the nostalgic comfort of traditional banana pudding and elevates it with layers of fresh strawberries, silky pudding, soft cookies, and whipped cream. The result is a dessert that feels both familiar and refreshingly bright. The strawberries add natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color, while the bananas provide that unmistakable creamy fruitiness. What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is—you can assemble it in a large trifle dish, individual jars, or a simple casserole. I once made it using homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant, and it worked great, adding even more richness. Whether you’re preparing it for potlucks, family gatherings, or a casual weeknight dessert, Strawberry Banana Pudding offers layers of texture, flavor, and pure comfort.
Strawberry Banana Pudding: A Fresh, Creamy Twist on a Beloved Classic
- Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and refreshing twist on classic banana pudding, layered with fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, vanilla wafers, and smooth homemade or instant pudding.
Ingredients
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Chill for 5–10 minutes.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding to create a light, creamy mixture.
- Layer the bottom of a trifle dish or serving bowl with vanilla wafers.
- Add a layer of pudding mixture, followed by sliced strawberries and bananas.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with pudding or whipped cream.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to soften the wafers.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toss bananas in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Use homemade pudding for a richer version.
- Chill overnight for the best texture.
- Add crushed wafers on top right before serving for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Vanilla Pudding
The creamy base that ties everything together. Instant pudding offers convenience, while homemade pudding provides deeper flavor.
Milk
Used to prepare the pudding, giving it smoothness and structure.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Adds richness and sweetness, making the pudding extra silky.
Cream Cheese
Whipped into the pudding mixture, it adds tangy depth and smooth texture.
Whipped Topping or Whipped Cream
Lightens the pudding mixture and adds airy softness to each layer.
Strawberries
Fresh strawberries bring brightness, sweetness, and vibrant color to every bite.
Bananas
Ripe but firm bananas give creamy texture and natural sweetness.
Vanilla Wafers or Shortbread Cookies
Cookies soften slightly as the dessert sets, creating classic pudding texture with a tender crumble.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the flavor of the pudding mixture and complements the fruit.
Directions
Start by preparing the pudding according to package instructions, then whisk in sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in a portion of the whipped topping until the mixture becomes airy and creamy.
Slice your strawberries and bananas, keeping the slices uniform for clean layers.
In a large dish or trifle bowl, begin layering: start with a layer of cookies, followed by a layer of pudding, then strawberries and bananas. Repeat until all components are used, finishing with pudding on top.
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the final layer and garnish with extra strawberries, banana slices, or crushed cookies. Chill for at least two hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 8–10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover pudding tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bananas will soften over time but remain delicious. Because of the fresh fruit and whipped topping, freezing is not recommended. Serve chilled at all times—this dessert is best enjoyed cold and creamy.
Variations and Customizations
Strawberry-Only Pudding
Skip the bananas for a purely berry-forward dessert.
Banana Cream Version
Increase bananas and reduce strawberries for a classic twist with a hint of strawberry flavor.
Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Add extra cream cheese for a richer, thicker, cheesecake-like texture.
Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate between layers for added indulgence.
Crunchy Layer
Add crushed graham crackers or granola for a textured bite.
Coconut Pudding
Mix shredded coconut into the pudding and top with toasted coconut.
Almond Essence
Add a drop of almond extract to the pudding for fragrant sweetness.
Cookie Swap
Use Biscoff cookies or shortbread for a different flavor profile.
Fresh Mint Garnish
Sprinkle chopped mint on top for refreshing aroma and contrast.
Lightened-Up Version
Use low-fat milk and whipped topping alternatives for a lighter dessert.
FAQs
Will the bananas brown?
Slightly over time, but chilling slows browning. You can also toss them lightly in lemon juice.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are ideal; frozen ones release too much liquid.
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I use homemade pudding?
Absolutely—homemade vanilla pudding adds richness.
How do I keep the pudding layers neat?
Spread gently with a spatula and chill between layers if needed.
What cookies work best?
Classic vanilla wafers, but shortbread or butter cookies also work well.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use less condensed milk or unsweetened whipped cream.
Should the fruit be sliced thin or thick?
Medium slices hold shape best without becoming mushy.
Can this be made in individual cups?
Yes, it layers beautifully into mason jars or ramekins.
Can I add chocolate or caramel?
Yes, drizzle between layers for extra richness.
Conclusion
Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delightfully creamy, fruity dessert that brings together the best elements of classic southern pudding with the fresh, vibrant sweetness of strawberries. With its layers of pudding, fruit, and tender cookies, this dish feels comforting yet refreshing—perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simple moments of indulgence at home. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore one of the variations, this dessert is guaranteed to become a fast favorite. Enjoy every cool, creamy spoonful.
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