Strawberry banana pudding is a delightful twist on the classic banana pudding, combining layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. This dessert is rich, smooth, and bursting with fruity flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to impress.
The best part? It requires minimal effort and no baking, making it an ideal no-fuss dessert. With the natural sweetness of bananas and strawberries blended into a luscious pudding, every spoonful is pure indulgence. If you love classic banana pudding, this version adds a fresh, fruity upgrade that will quickly become a favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry banana pudding isn’t just delicious—it’s a dessert that brings together flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This no-bake dessert comes together in minutes with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a crowd-pleasing treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Creamy, Fruity, and Irresistible
The combination of sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and velvety pudding creates a rich, smooth texture with a refreshing burst of fruitiness in every bite. The layers of vanilla wafers add just the right amount of crunch.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or weeknight dessert, this pudding is a guaranteed hit. You can serve it in a trifle dish for an elegant presentation or portion it into individual cups for grab-and-go convenience.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
Swap out ingredients to make this recipe your own! Use different cookies, adjust the sweetness, or add whipped cream for extra indulgence. You can even make it healthier by using Greek yogurt or sugar-free pudding.
5. Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This dessert is a favorite among kids and adults alike. The naturally sweet fruit, creamy pudding, and soft wafers make it an irresistible treat for all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a simple make-ahead dessert or a refreshing twist on a classic, this strawberry banana pudding checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
To make this delicious strawberry banana pudding, you’ll need simple ingredients that create the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold milk – Helps set the pudding mixture for a smooth and creamy texture.
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – The base of the pudding, adding flavor and thickness.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – Enhances the pudding’s richness and sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – Whipped into soft peaks for extra creaminess.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a velvety texture and slight tang for balance.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the pudding.
Fruits & Layers:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced – Provides natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with strawberries.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced – Adds a juicy, tart contrast to the bananas.
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies – Classic layers that absorb the pudding and add texture.
Toppings (Optional):
- 1 cup whipped topping – For an extra light and fluffy finish.
- Strawberry and banana slices – A fresh garnish for a vibrant presentation.
- Crushed vanilla wafer cookies – Adds a slight crunch to the top layer.
These simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, fruity, and satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step directions to make a creamy, flavorful strawberry banana pudding with the perfect texture and layers.
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Gradually fold the cream cheese into the pudding mixture, stirring until no lumps remain.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
- In another bowl, beat heavy cream with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to create a light, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- In a large trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pudding mixture at the bottom.
- Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers evenly over the pudding.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries over the wafers.
- Spread half of the remaining pudding mixture evenly on top.
- Repeat the layers (wafers, fruit, pudding) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Step 4: Chill and Set
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, top with whipped topping, sliced bananas, strawberries, and crushed vanilla wafer cookies for a decorative and delicious finish.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert!
This no-bake strawberry banana pudding is simple to make and packed with fresh flavors, making it perfect for any occasion!
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to make your strawberry banana pudding even better? These expert tips and variations will help you achieve the perfect flavor and texture every time.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding
Prevent Bananas from Turning Brown – Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering. This prevents oxidation without affecting the taste.
Use Ripe but Firm Bananas – Overripe bananas can become too mushy, while unripe ones lack sweetness. Choose yellow bananas with a few brown spots for the best texture and flavor.
Let It Chill Properly – Refrigerating the pudding for at least 4 hours (or overnight) helps the flavors meld and ensures a firm texture.
Crush Some Wafers for Extra Texture – While whole vanilla wafers add structure, mixing in some crushed wafers creates a wonderful contrast in texture.
Whip the Cream Properly – Beat cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the pudding mixture. This creates a light, airy texture.
Layer Evenly for a Balanced Flavor – To ensure every bite has the perfect balance of pudding, fruit, and wafers, spread each layer evenly before adding the next.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Strawberry Banana Pudding – Add chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla, or drizzle melted chocolate between the layers for a decadent twist.
Strawberry Shortcake Banana Pudding – Swap vanilla wafers for butter cookies or shortbread biscuits for a more indulgent flavor.
Healthy Strawberry Banana Pudding – Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and coconut milk instead of condensed milk for a lighter version.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Trifle – Assemble in mini mason jars or dessert cups for individual servings that look elegant and are perfect for parties.
Nutty Crunch Variation – Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted almonds between the layers for a delightful crunch.
Caramel Banana Pudding – Drizzle a little caramel sauce over each layer to add a rich, buttery flavor.
With these pro tips and creative variations, you can customize your strawberry banana pudding to suit any occasion or personal taste!
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry banana pudding is a versatile dessert that can be served in many creative ways. Whether you’re making it for a casual family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a special occasion, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it.
Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding
Classic Trifle Style – Layer the pudding in a large trifle bowl for a stunning presentation. The clear bowl showcases the beautiful layers of vanilla pudding, banana slices, fresh strawberries, and wafers.
Individual Dessert Cups – Serve the pudding in small glass jars, cups, or dessert bowls for easy single servings. This is perfect for parties and helps with portion control.
Parfait Style – Layer the pudding with granola or crushed vanilla wafers in tall glasses for a parfait-style dessert. It adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pudding.
With a Drizzle of Sauce – Enhance the flavor by drizzling strawberry sauce, caramel sauce, or melted chocolate over the pudding before serving.
Topped with Whipped Cream – Add a generous dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top for extra creaminess and a beautiful finishing touch.
Garnished with Fresh Fruit – Sprinkle sliced bananas, diced strawberries, or even blueberries on top to add a fresh, juicy bite.
Chilled vs. Frozen – For a cold treat on a hot day, freeze the pudding for about 1-2 hours before serving. This gives it an ice cream-like texture that’s refreshing and unique.
Pairing Ideas
Strawberry banana pudding pairs well with:
A hot cup of coffee or tea – The creamy, fruity flavors complement a warm beverage beautifully.
Vanilla ice cream – For an extra indulgent dessert, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the pudding.
Crispy cookies – Serve with butter cookies, shortbread, or biscotti for an added crunch.
Whether you serve it in a fancy trifle dish or a simple dessert cup, this strawberry banana pudding will always be a hit!
Conclusion
Strawberry banana pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining creamy layers of pudding, fresh, juicy strawberries, and ripe bananas to create a delightful treat that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, yet so satisfying, and offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your family, this simple dessert is sure to impress.
By following this recipe, you’ll have a dessert that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the flavor profile with different toppings or even experiment with different layers. The options are endless, and the results are always guaranteed to be mouthwatering.
So, if you’re craving something light, creamy, and fruity, give this strawberry banana pudding a try. It’s the kind of dessert that’s so good, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Strawberry Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold milk – Helps set the pudding mixture for a smooth and creamy texture.
- 1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix – The base of the pudding, adding flavor and thickness.
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk – Enhances the pudding’s richness and sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – Whipped into soft peaks for extra creaminess.
- 8 oz cream cheese softened – Adds a velvety texture and slight tang for balance.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the pudding.
Fruits & Layers:
- 3 ripe bananas sliced – Provides natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with strawberries.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries sliced – Adds a juicy, tart contrast to the bananas.
- 1 box 11 oz vanilla wafer cookies – Classic layers that absorb the pudding and add texture.
Toppings (Optional):
- 1 cup whipped topping – For an extra light and fluffy finish.
- Strawberry and banana slices – A fresh garnish for a vibrant presentation.
- Crushed vanilla wafer cookies – Adds a slight crunch to the top layer.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Gradually fold the cream cheese into the pudding mixture, stirring until no lumps remain.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
- In another bowl, beat heavy cream with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to create a light, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- In a large trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pudding mixture at the bottom.
- Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers evenly over the pudding.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries over the wafers.
- Spread half of the remaining pudding mixture evenly on top.
- Repeat the layers (wafers, fruit, pudding) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Step 4: Chill and Set
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, top with whipped topping, sliced bananas, strawberries, and crushed vanilla wafer cookies for a decorative and delicious finish.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g
FAQs
What makes bananas not turn brown in pudding?
To prevent bananas from turning brown in your pudding, try using fresh lemon juice. The citric acid in the lemon helps to slow down the oxidation process that causes browning. Simply drizzle a small amount of lemon juice over the sliced bananas before layering them into the pudding.
Is pudding hard or soft?
Pudding, especially when made from scratch or using instant mix, is typically soft, creamy, and smooth. The texture should melt in your mouth, with a rich, velvety feel that makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Why does banana pudding get watery?
Banana pudding can become watery if the pudding mixture isn’t thickened properly or if it sits for too long before being served. To avoid this, ensure your pudding is set properly and doesn’t have too much excess liquid. Adding more thickening agents, like cornstarch, can also help achieve a firmer consistency.
Can I use mayo instead of sour cream in muffins?
While mayo and sour cream have similar textures, mayo has a more distinct flavor. If you substitute mayo in a recipe that calls for sour cream, it may affect the overall taste. If you’re looking for a neutral flavor, you could consider using Greek yogurt instead
How to make pudding better?
To make pudding even better, consider adding a layer of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies for texture. Using vanilla beans or real vanilla extract instead of artificial vanilla can also elevate the flavor. For a rich finish, top with a dollop of whipped cream.