Name: Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional); 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries; 2 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed; 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies

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This Strawberry Banana Pudding is everything you want in a nostalgic, show-stopping dessert: creamy layers of vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries and bananas, pillowy whipped topping, and those classic vanilla wafer cookies that soften into irresistible cake-like bites. Each spoonful is a blend of sunny fruit, delicate vanilla, and dreamy texture, making it an instant favorite for gatherings—or simply for spoiling yourself and your family. If you’ve never tried a layered pudding like this, you’ll love how the strawberries and bananas shine in every bite.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pudding:
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
For the layers:
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Mixture

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl. Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens up and looks glossy and smooth. This forms the luscious, silky base that holds everything together.

Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping and Vanilla

Once the pudding has thickened, gently fold in the vanilla extract and half of the whipped topping. Take your time here—the goal is a perfectly creamy, dreamy pudding with just a little extra volume and lightness. Mixing too vigorously can deflate it, so a gentle touch really works wonders.

Step 3: Build the Layers

Now comes the fun part! In a trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking pan, start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies. Top with an even layer of banana slices, then focus on a layer of juicy strawberry slices. Spread on a generous amount of the pudding mixture to completely cover the fruit and cookies. Repeat everything—wafers, bananas, strawberries, pudding—until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a final layer of pudding on top.

Step 4: Finish with Whipped Topping

Spoon the remaining whipped topping over your last layer of pudding. Smooth it out to the edges with a spatula so every bite will be extra light and creamy. It’s not just about looks—the whipped topping seals in moisture and creates that iconic, fluffy layer.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pop your Strawberry Banana Pudding into the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This step lets the flavors marry and the cookies soften into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Cover it with plastic wrap so the pudding stays fresh.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finish, decorate the top with extra strawberry and banana slices just before serving. A sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar adds crunch and makes the pudding look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Banana Pudding with a light fruit salad or a few crisp butter cookies to balance its creamy richness. If you’re serving brunch or a picnic, a chilled glass of lemonade or sweet tea absolutely completes the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pudding in clear glass jars for a fun, portable picnic treat, or use elegant individual parfait glasses for a dinner party. Layer a small scoop over a slice of pound cake to turn it into a show-stopping plated dessert. The vibrant layers, when displayed in glass, are always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Banana Pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Use an airtight container or cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the bananas from browning too much.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture of the pudding and fruit changes and can become watery or mushy when thawed. For the best taste and creaminess, enjoy this dessert freshly chilled from the refrigerator instead.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat! If it’s been chilling for a while, just give it 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving so the flavors wake up and the pudding softens a bit.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works like a charm and brings a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so it holds up when layered with the pudding and fruit.

What’s the best way to keep bananas from turning brown?

To keep your banana slices picture-perfect, squeeze a little lemon juice on them before layering. This helps slow down browning without adding much tartness to the finished dessert.

Can Strawberry Banana Pudding be made dairy-free?

Yes, it’s easily adaptable! Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and a non-dairy whipped topping. It’s just as creamy and delicious with these swaps.

Do I have to let the pudding set for several hours?

Letting the pudding chill is the secret to dreamy texture. It gives the cookies time to soften and the layers to meld into pure dessert heaven. If you’re short on time, two hours minimum is necessary, but overnight is even better.

Can I add extra fruit or a sauce between layers?

Definitely! Try blueberries or raspberries alongside the strawberries and bananas for more bursts of flavor and color. A drizzle of strawberry sauce or fruit puree adds a lovely extra layer of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Strawberry Banana Pudding that brings people together and makes any occasion feel a little more joyful. I hope this recipe brings the same happiness and sweet memories to your table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the classic flavors of strawberries, bananas, and vanilla pudding in a luscious layered treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pudding:

1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)

For the layers:

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Fold in vanilla extract and half of the whipped topping until smooth.
Layer the ingredients: In a trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish, create layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, strawberry slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Chill and serve: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the final layer, garnish with additional fruit slices if desired, and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours or overnight before serving.