Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Try This Dreamy Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe Today

Creamy desserts have a special way of bringing smiles, and this strawberry banana pudding recipe delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

The classic combination of luscious strawberries and sweet bananas creates a delightful melody of flavors.

Layers of silky pudding intermingle with fresh fruit and soft vanilla wafers for a dreamy treat.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of textures that dance across your palate.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dessert perfect for any occasion.

Weeknight treats or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you experience this delectable pudding.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh fruits.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Loved By All Ages

  • Craft a Unique Crust: Transform traditional pie crusts with a delightful blend of graham crackers, pretzels, and pecans, creating a salty-sweet foundation that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Showcase Fresh Seasonal Flavors: Highlight the vibrant taste of ripe strawberries by using both pureed and whole berries, ensuring a intense fruit-forward profile that captures summer's essence.
  • Perfect for Stress-Free Entertaining: Prepare this make-ahead dessert that requires minimal last-minute effort, allowing hosts to spend more time with guests while serving an impressive and delicious pie.
  • No-Bake Filling Simplicity: Create a glossy strawberry glaze with just a few simple ingredients, cooking briefly on the stovetop to achieve a perfectly thickened, glossy filling that sets beautifully in the refrigerator.

Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Base Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Wafers: Classic cookies that create a delicious crumbly base for the pudding.
  • Bananas: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture to the dessert.
  • Strawberries: Bright red berries that provide a fresh and tangy flavor to the pudding.
Pudding Mixture Ingredients:
  • Milk: Liquid that helps create the smooth pudding consistency.
  • French Vanilla Pudding Mix: Powdered mix that provides rich vanilla flavor and helps thicken the pudding.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy dairy product that adds richness and a tangy undertone to the dessert.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweet and thick milk that enhances the overall sweetness of the pudding.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy cream that adds a smooth and airy texture to the dessert.

Steps for Creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Wafer Base

Create a delicious foundation by arranging vanilla wafers in a single layer across the bottom of a serving dish. Ensure the cookies cover the entire surface evenly.

Step 2: Add Banana Layer

Slice fresh bananas and carefully distribute them over the wafer base, creating a sweet and creamy second layer.

Step 3: Whip Up Pudding Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine milk and French Vanilla pudding mix.

Blend thoroughly using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create Cream Cheese Blend

In a separate bowl, prepare the cream cheese mixture by combining:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sweetened condensed milk

Blend until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.

Step 5: Fold in Whipped Topping

Gently incorporate thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and fluffy texture.

Step 6: Combine Pudding Mixtures

Carefully fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding mixture, stirring until completely integrated and smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Delightful Layers

Pour the combined mixture over the banana and wafer base, ensuring even coverage.

Step 8: Add Fresh Strawberry Topping

Sprinkle chopped strawberries across the top of the pudding.

Step 9: Final Cookie Garnish

Complete the dessert by arranging the remaining vanilla wafers on top for a beautiful finish.

Step 10: Chill and Enjoy

Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Serve chilled and savor every delicious bite!

Good Notes for Pudding Recipe Success

  • Place wafers in a single layer to maintain their crunch and texture.
  • Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain their bright color.
  • Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and fewer lumps.
  • Use a light folding technique when combining whipped topping to preserve its airy texture.
  • Allow pudding to set for at least 2-3 hours to enhance the melding of flavors and achieve the perfect consistency.

Ways to Change Up Banana Strawberry Pudding

  • Tropical Paradise Pudding: Replace bananas with mango chunks and strawberries with pineapple tidbits for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Swap vanilla wafers with chocolate cookies and add cocoa powder to the pudding mix for intense chocolate flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Berry Bliss: Use gluten-free graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free for celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Fruit Pudding: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free whipped topping for plant-based version.

Toppings to Enjoy With Banana Pudding

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Smooth, rich coffee complements the sweet, fruity pudding and adds a warm contrast to the chilled dessert.
  • Serve Alongside Crisp Moscato: Light, sweet white wine enhances the strawberry and banana flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
  • Match with Almond Biscotti: Crunchy, nutty cookie provides a perfect textural contrast to the soft, creamy pudding layers.
  • Complement with Chilled Mint Tea: Refreshing herbal drink cleanses the palate and balances the dessert's rich, sweet profile.

How to Store Strawberry Banana Pudding Well

  • Seal the pudding tightly in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
  • Wrap the pudding carefully in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 weeks, preventing freezer burn.
  • Transfer frozen pudding to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and maintain its original creamy consistency.
  • Gently warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of ingredients.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of thawed whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream for the thawed whipped topping. Just ensure it’s well-whipped and folded gently into the cream cheese mixture.

  • Is it okay to use different types of cookies?

Vanilla wafers work best, but you can experiment with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a slightly different flavor and texture.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots – they’re sweet and soft, perfect for layering in the pudding without being mushy.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this pudding a day in advance, which actually allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even more delicious.

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Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy strawberry banana pudding whisks you into a delightful dessert paradise. Sweet layers of fresh fruit and velvety pudding create a nostalgic treat perfect for summer gatherings and family celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
  • 1 container strawberries (chopped)

Dairy and Pudding:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese
  • 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 ounces) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or equal amount sweetened whipped cream)
  • 1 (5 ounces) box French Vanilla pudding

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers

Instructions

  1. Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish, creating a crisp foundation for the dessert.
  2. Distribute sliced bananas evenly over the cookie base, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Whisk milk and French vanilla pudding mix in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated, using an electric mixer for optimal consistency.
  4. In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until the texture is creamy and free of lumps.
  5. Gently fold thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling.
  6. Merge the pudding mixture with the cream cheese mixture, stirring until completely combined and uniform in color and texture.
  7. Carefully pour the blended mixture over the banana and cookie layer, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Scatter chopped strawberries across the surface, providing bursts of fresh fruit flavor.
  9. Top with remaining vanilla wafers, creating a decorative and crunchy final layer.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set completely before serving chilled.

Notes

  • Swap regular cookies for gluten-free vanilla wafers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Opt for low-fat cream cheese and milk to reduce overall calorie content without compromising taste.
  • Freeze extra ripe bananas beforehand for an intensely creamy and sweet pudding texture.
  • Use fresh seasonal strawberries at peak ripeness to enhance the dessert’s natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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