Strawberry Banana Pudding

If you’re craving a no-bake dessert that’s light, fruity, and irresistibly creamy, this Strawberry Banana Pudding is the perfect treat. It combines layers of fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream with soft vanilla wafers for a sweet and nostalgic dessert everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Delight – Perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Fresh & Fruity – Packed with layers of fresh strawberries and bananas.
Perfect for Parties – A great make-ahead dessert that serves a crowd.
Kid-Friendly – Creamy, sweet, and full of familiar flavors.
Customizable – Easy to adapt with different fruits or cookie layers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups whipped topping or homemade whipped cream

For the Fruit & Layers:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 oz)

For Topping & Garnish:

• ½ cup whipped cream
• Crushed vanilla wafers or wafer crumbs
• Extra strawberry slices and banana rounds (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish or large trifle bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until fully combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula until smooth and creamy.
4. Place the pudding mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Slice the Fruit

1. Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into thin rounds.
2. Peel and slice the bananas.
3. Set the fruit aside, ready for layering.

Step 3: Begin the Layering Process

1. In your trifle bowl or baking dish, create a base layer with vanilla wafers.
2. Spoon about one-third of the pudding mixture over the cookies and spread evenly.
3. Add a layer of banana slices followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.
4. Repeat the layers: cookies, pudding, bananas, strawberries—ending with a layer of pudding on top.
5. Smooth the top layer gently with a spatula.

Step 4: Chill and Set

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results—this allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.

Step 5: Add Final Touches Before Serving

1. Just before serving, spread whipped cream over the top layer.
2. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for texture.
3. Garnish with additional strawberry slices and banana rounds for a fresh look.

Tips for Success
Use Ripe but Firm Bananas – They’ll add sweetness without getting mushy too quickly.
Thinly Slice Strawberries – Helps them layer better and distribute evenly throughout.
Let It Chill – Don’t skip the refrigeration time; it transforms the texture and flavor.
Layer Thoughtfully – For a beautiful trifle, layer in a clear glass bowl so the fruits and cream create visual appeal.
Avoid Browning – Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown if making ahead.

Serving Suggestions
Perfect for Potlucks – This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at barbecues and parties.
Great with Coffee – Serve with iced or hot coffee for a sweet afternoon treat.
Individual Cups – Layer into jars or cups for a cute grab-and-go dessert.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storing:

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate.
• Best enjoyed within 2-3 days for peak freshness.
• The longer it sits, the softer the wafers become—some people love it even more this way!

Make Ahead:

• You can prepare the pudding, slice the fruit, and layer everything the night before.
• Add the final topping of whipped cream and garnishes right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
   Absolutely. A thick vanilla custard works great, but make sure it’s fully cooled before layering.
2. What’s a good substitute for vanilla wafers?
   Shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or ladyfingers are great alternatives.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain well before layering.
4. How do I keep bananas from browning?
   A light toss in lemon juice helps slow down browning without altering flavor too much.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes! Use a plant-based pudding mix, non-dairy milk, and coconut whipped topping.

Final Thoughts
Strawberry Banana Pudding is a classic dessert with a fruity twist that brings joy to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a celebration, a potluck, or just a fun weeknight treat, this creamy and vibrant dessert is easy to prepare and always a hit.

Ready to impress your family and friends? Give this no-bake delight a try and share your creations with us! We’d love to see how it turned out for you.

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 240mg

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