Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Dreamy Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe For Sweet Smiles

Sweet summer memories flood back when I whip up this creamy strawberry banana pudding that combines childhood comfort with fresh seasonal charm.

Soft, ripe bananas blend perfectly with vibrant strawberries in a luscious dessert.

Each spoonful promises pure delight with its smooth, silky texture.

The recipe might seem simple, yet it delivers incredible depth of flavor.

Serving this gorgeous treat at your next gathering, watching faces light up with pure joy.

Colorful and inviting, this pudding transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Grab a spoon and let the magic begin!

Sweet Reasons To Try Strawberry Banana Pudding

  • Effortless Delightful Dessert: Whip up this strawberry banana pudding in minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving a sweet treat.
  • Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful mix of creamy pudding, crisp wafers, and juicy fruit slices that create a mouthwatering contrast in every single bite.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This no-bake dessert comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching fruits, using different wafers, or adding extra toppings to match personal preferences and make it your own special dessert.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

Pudding Base:
  • Instant Pudding Mix: Core ingredient that creates the creamy pudding foundation, quick and easy to prepare.
  • Cold Milk: Provides smooth consistency and helps activate the pudding mix.
Fruits:
  • Bananas, Strawberries: Fresh fruits that add natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, best when ripe and firm.
Layering Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Wafers, Whipped Cream: Classic components that add texture and richness, creating a traditional Southern-style dessert.
Optional Garnish:
  • Extra Strawberry Slices, Extra Banana Slices: Fresh fruit toppings for visual appeal and additional fruity burst.

Directions For Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the instant pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken. Pop the bowl into the refrigerator and let it set for a few minutes to develop its rich, velvety texture.

Step 2: Fold in Fluffy Clouds

Take your chilled pudding and gently introduce the whipped cream. Use a soft folding motion to blend the two together, creating a dreamy, light mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Build a Delicious Masterpiece

Time to create your pudding paradise! Grab your favorite serving dish and start building magical layers:
  • Vanilla wafers as the crunchy foundation
  • Fresh banana slices
  • Juicy strawberry pieces
  • Creamy pudding mixture

Repeat these layers like you’re crafting an edible work of art. Make sure to finish with a luxurious pudding topping that’ll have everyone swooning.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Magic Happen

Cover your creation with plastic wrap and tuck it into the refrigerator. Let it rest and mingle for a couple of hours. This is when the wafers soften and the flavors become best friends.

Step 5: Dress Up and Dive In

Before serving, sprinkle some extra strawberry and banana slices on top for a show-stopping finish. Grab a spoon and get ready to experience pure dessert bliss!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Tips And Tricks

  • Wafer Wisdom: Crush some wafers and sprinkle them on top for extra crunch and texture in your pudding.
  • Fruit Freshness Hack: Cut bananas and strawberries just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain vibrant colors.
  • Whip It Right: Use cold heavy cream and whip until soft peaks form for the most luxurious, fluffy texture in your pudding.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance to let the flavors develop and wafers soften perfectly.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Replace milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free whipped topping for a delicious vegan version of this classic dessert.

How To Keep And Warm Strawberry Banana Pudding

  • Refrigerator Storage
  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Store pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.
  • Freezing Tips
  • Avoid freezing the entire dessert as the wafers and fruits will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed.
  • Reheating Suggestions
  • Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and consistency.
  • If slightly hardened, let the pudding sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the layers.

Pair Strawberry Banana Pudding With These

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, fruity Moscato or Riesling that complements the sweet strawberry and banana flavors, enhancing the dessert's tropical essence.
  • Match with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a bubbly, refreshing rosé that cuts through the creamy pudding and provides a delightful contrast to the rich texture.
  • Serve Alongside Toasted Coconut Macaroons: Add a crunchy side of coconut macaroons to introduce a complementary nutty flavor and textural variation to the smooth pudding.
  • Complement with Mint Herbal Tea: Brew a cool mint tea that cleanses the palate and provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, creamy dessert.

Ways To Change Strawberry Banana Pudding

  • Tropical Paradise Pudding: Replace strawberries with diced mango and pineapple for a vibrant, exotic flavor that transports you to a sunny beach.
  • Chocolate Berry Bliss: Mix cocoa powder into the pudding and add dark chocolate shavings between layers for a rich, decadent version of the classic dessert.
  • Greek Yogurt Power Pudding: Swap whipped cream with Greek yogurt to create a protein-packed, tangier dessert that feels lighter and more nutritious.
  • Nutty Crunch Sensation: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or toasted coconut between layers to add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to the pudding.

Answers To Strawberry Banana Pudding Questions

  • What makes this strawberry banana pudding special?

This dessert combines the creamy richness of pudding with the fresh, sweet flavors of strawberries and bananas. The layers of vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch that makes each bite interesting and delicious.

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

Absolutely! Fresh whipped cream works perfectly and can actually make the pudding taste even more homemade and rich. Just whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form before folding into the pudding mixture.

  • Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the sweet fruity flavors and the fun layered presentation. It’s a great dessert that’s easy to eat and looks colorful and appealing. Plus, it’s simple enough that older children could even help prepare it.

  • How long can I keep this pudding in the refrigerator?

The pudding stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The wafers will continue to soften, creating a delicious, cake-like texture as it sits.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent strawberry banana pudding weaves together creamy layers of sweet nostalgia and fresh summer flavors. Silky custard and ripe fruits create a delightful dessert that invites you to savor each spoonful of pure comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large bananas, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries, sliced
  • 1 box (12 oz/340g) vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (or 1 cup whipped topping)

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 box (3.4 oz/96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Additional strawberries or bananas for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft the silky pudding base by whisking together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy. Allow the mixture to set and thicken in the refrigerator for a brief moment.
  2. Incorporate the whipped cream into the pudding, gently folding until the mixture becomes light and airy with a uniform consistency.
  3. Create delectable layers in your chosen serving vessel by first placing a foundation of crisp vanilla wafers. Arrange vibrant banana and strawberry slices strategically across the wafer base.
  4. Generously spread the creamy pudding mixture over the fruit, ensuring complete coverage and creating a luscious landscape of flavors and textures.
  5. Repeat the layering process, alternating between wafers, fresh fruit, and pudding mixture, building height and complexity with each stratum.
  6. Conclude the layering with a final lavish coating of pudding, ensuring a pristine and inviting surface.
  7. Seal the dessert with plastic wrap and nestle in the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to meld and the wafers to soften into a harmonious dessert experience.
  8. Before serving, adorn the pudding with additional fresh strawberry and banana slices, creating an enticing visual appeal that hints at the delightful flavors within.

Notes

  • Make pudding extra creamy by using whole milk instead of low-fat, creating a richer texture that melts smoothly on your tongue.
  • Prevent bananas from browning by tossing freshly cut slices in a little lemon juice, maintaining their bright golden color and preventing oxidation.
  • Create dairy-free version by substituting regular milk with almond or coconut milk, and using coconut whipped cream for a plant-based alternative that’s equally delicious.
  • Prepare wafer layers strategically by slightly overlapping them to ensure every spoonful has a perfect balance of creamy pudding and crisp cookie crunch, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 19g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star