Strawberry Banana Pudding

Creamy, fruity, and irresistibly nostalgic, this Strawberry Banana Pudding is a fresh twist on the Southern classic. Layers of sweet vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and buttery vanilla wafers come together in a dreamy, chilled dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you crave something sweet and comforting.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fruity & Fresh – The perfect combo of strawberries and bananas in every bite.
No Bake – Quick and easy with no oven required.
Kid & Crowd Friendly – A guaranteed hit with all ages.
Make-Ahead Magic – Even better after chilling overnight.
Customizable – Swap cookies or add whipped toppings for your own spin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 ½ cups cold milk
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)

For the Layers:

• 4 bananas, sliced
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers (or shortbread cookies)

For Topping:

• Additional whipped topping or whipped cream
• Crushed vanilla wafers or sliced fruit for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold in whipped topping until fully combined and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Fruit
Peel and slice bananas into rounds.
Hull and slice strawberries. Set both aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers
In a 9×13 baking dish or trifle bowl, layer as follows:

• Start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom.
• Add a layer of banana slices and strawberry slices.
• Spoon a layer of pudding mixture over the fruit.
  Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a thick layer of pudding on top.

Step 4: Add Topping & Chill
Spread whipped topping over the final pudding layer.
Top with crushed cookies, extra strawberry slices, or banana coins if desired.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop into bowls or serve in individual cups.
Garnish with more whipped cream and a fresh berry or two!

Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding
Use Ripe Bananas – For natural sweetness and smooth texture.
Slice Fruit Just Before Layering – Helps prevent browning.
Chill Long Enough – Allows the wafers to soften perfectly.
Make It Pretty – Use a trifle dish for beautiful, visible layers.
Don’t Overmix the Pudding – Keep it light and fluffy for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions
Summer BBQs – A cool and fruity treat after grilled meals.
Potlucks or Parties – Easy to make in large batches.
Dessert Table Star – Serve in parfait cups for a cute individual twist.
Birthday Treat – Add sprinkles or a cookie crumble topping for fun.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Best when eaten within 48 hours for peak texture and freshness.

Freezing:

• Not recommended, as the bananas and pudding may become watery and mushy.

Reheating:

• No reheating necessary—serve chilled directly from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before assembling.

2. Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, freshly whipped cream works great. Use slightly sweetened for balance.

3. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering, or make sure they’re well covered by the pudding.

4. Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or even mango for a tropical twist.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free pudding mix, plant-based milk, and whipped topping to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.

Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a nostalgic classic with a fruity upgrade. It’s cool, creamy, and full of natural sweetness—just what you need when you want a refreshing dessert that still feels indulgent. Make it ahead, scoop generously, and enjoy the smiles that follow.

Try it this weekend and tag your creamy creations online—I’d love to see your pudding layers in action!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Cuisine: Southern-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Sodium: 280mg

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