Sweet Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Sweet memories of childhood desserts dance through my strawberry banana pudding creation, promising comfort in every creamy spoonful.

Nostalgic flavors blend effortlessly in this delightful treat that captures summer’s essence.

Soft banana slices mingle with luscious strawberries, creating a symphony of fresh ingredients.

Layers of silky pudding promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking a simple yet remarkable dessert.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this quick and irresistible recipe.

Rich textures and vibrant colors make you want to rush into the kitchen and start mixing.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Strawberry Banana Pudding That’s Sweet and Nostalgic

• Craft Layers of Delight: Build a mouthwatering dessert with simple, step-by-step layering that creates a stunning visual treat perfect for impressing family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: Swap fruits or add extra toppings to make this recipe your own, giving you creative freedom to experiment and personalize the pudding.
• No-Bake Dessert Bliss: Enjoy a delicious dessert without turning on the oven, making this recipe ideal for hot days or when you want a quick sweet solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A classic dessert that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, with its familiar flavors and creamy texture that everyone loves.

Ingredients to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding

• Vanilla Wafers: Classic cookies that create a crunchy foundation for the pudding.
• Bananas: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and soft texture to the dessert.

• Milk: Provides the liquid base for creating a smooth and creamy pudding.
• French Vanilla Pudding Mix: Delivers rich vanilla flavor and helps thicken the pudding.

• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tangy base for the creamy mixture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings extra sweetness and helps bind the cream cheese mixture.
• Whipped Topping: Contributes lightness and creates a fluffy texture in the dessert.

• Strawberries: Fresh fruit that provides a bright, sweet-tart flavor and colorful garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1: Create the Foundation

Grab a rectangular baking dish. Spread a single layer of Vanilla Wafers across the bottom.

Slice fresh bananas and carefully arrange them directly over the cookies, creating a sweet and creamy base layer.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pudding Base

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

Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and develops a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Craft the Cream Cheese Blend

In a separate bowl, take softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk.

Mix thoroughly until the texture becomes silky and uniform. Gently incorporate thawed whipped topping, folding it in with a light touch to maintain the airy texture.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Combine the pudding mixture with the cream cheese blend. Stir carefully until the two mixtures become completely integrated and develop a uniform, velvety texture.

Step 5: Build the Delightful Layers

Pour the combined mixture over the banana and wafer base. Sprinkle freshly chopped strawberries across the surface for bursts of fruity flavor.

Top with a final layer of Vanilla Wafers, creating a delicious crown for the dessert.

Step 6: Chill and Delight

Place the dessert in the refrigerator.

Allow it to set and cool for 2-3 hours. When fully chilled, the pudding will be ready to serve and enjoy with friends and family.

Tips to Elevate Your Pudding to the Next Level

• Arrange vanilla wafers in a single, tight layer for maximum cookie coverage and delightful crunch in every bite.
• Toss sliced bananas with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent unsightly browning.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure your cream cheese and pudding blend seamlessly without lumps.
• Add fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and prevent them from becoming soggy.
• This dessert tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.

Variations to Add Unique Flavors to Pudding

• Berry Blast Pudding: Replace strawberries with mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant and tangy flavor profile.
• Tropical Paradise Pudding: Swap bananas with diced mangoes and add toasted coconut flakes on top for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Lover's Pudding: Incorporate chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla and sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top for an indulgent version.
• Nutty Crunch Pudding: Add chopped pecans or almonds between layers and on top for extra texture and a rich, nutty undertone.

Pairings That Work Well With Strawberry Banana Pudding

• Brew Fresh Vanilla Latte: Complement the creamy pudding with a warm vanilla latte, matching the dessert's rich vanilla undertones and creating a smooth, comforting experience.
• Pour Chilled Rosé Wine: Select a light, crisp rosé wine that balances the sweet strawberry and banana flavors, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pudding.
• Serve Cold Milk: A classic glass of cold milk perfectly cuts through the dessert's sweetness, enhancing the vanilla wafer and pudding texture while providing a clean, simple accompaniment.
• Offer Sparkling Moscato: This sweet, bubbly wine pairs wonderfully with the fruity elements, adding a playful effervescence that elevates the dessert's overall flavor profile.

Storing Pudding to Maintain Freshness

• Transfer leftover pudding to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal carefully and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the pudding dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and prevent sogginess.
• Gently warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Stir softly to distribute heat evenly. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream to refresh the pudding's appearance and taste.

FAQs

• Why use Vanilla Wafers in this recipe?

Vanilla Wafers provide a delicious, crispy base and top layer that adds texture and sweet vanilla flavor to the pudding, creating a classic Southern-style dessert.

• Can I use different types of pudding mix?

French Vanilla works best, but you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix to slightly change the dessert’s taste profile.

• How do I prevent bananas from browning?

Toss sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before layering to help prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh in the pudding.

• Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains dairy products like cream cheese, milk, and sweetened condensed milk, making it not vegetarian-friendly.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy strawberry banana pudding brings Southern comfort to dessert lovers everywhere. Sweet layers of ripe fruit, silky custard, and vanilla wafers create a delightful experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

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

Dairy and Pudding Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (5 ounces/142 grams) box French Vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or equal amount of sweetened whipped cream)

Dry/Crisp Ingredients:

• 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers

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Instructions

1. Craft a foundational layer by arranging vanilla wafers across the bottom of a rectangular serving vessel, creating a crisp cookie base. Strategically position banana slices atop the wafer foundation.
2. Utilize a mixing bowl to combine milk and French vanilla pudding powder. Employ an electric mixer to transform the ingredients into a silky, uniform mixture with a luxurious consistency.
3. In a separate container, whip softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until achieving a velvety smooth texture. Gently incorporate thawed whipped topping, folding delicately to maintain a light, airy composition.
4. Harmonize the pudding and cream cheese mixtures by gradually integrating them, stirring until completely blended and achieving a consistent, creamy profile.
5. Carefully cascade the consolidated mixture over the initial banana and wafer layer. Distribute freshly chopped strawberries across the surface, creating a vibrant fruity mosaic. Complete the dessert by crowning with a final layer of vanilla wafers.
6. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for approximately 2-3 hours at 40°F. The pudding will set and develop enhanced flavor complexity, transforming into a chilled, decadent treat perfect for serving.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and easier blending.
• Use ripe bananas with some brown spots for sweeter, more intense flavor that complements the pudding’s creamy texture.
• Consider using gluten-free vanilla wafers to make the dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the classic crunch and taste.
• Slice strawberries just before adding to prevent excess moisture from making the pudding soggy and preserve their fresh, vibrant color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 378
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 234 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg