Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a fondness for classic Southern desserts, the Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is a must-try that brings joy with every spoonful. This delightful combination layers luscious bananas and bright strawberries atop crisp vanilla wafers, all enveloped in a creamy pudding mixture that’s rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a comforting treat, this dessert offers a nostalgic flavor profile with a fresh twist that makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is a breeze because each component plays a star role in building its irresistible taste and texture. Simple, accessible, and complementary, these ingredients come together to deliver that ideal harmony of crunch, creaminess, and fruity freshness.

• Vanilla Wafers: The crunchy base and top layer add a sweet, buttery texture that holds the pudding together.
• Bananas: Sliced ripe bananas create natural sweetness and add soft creaminess contrasting the wafers.
• Strawberries: Chopped fresh strawberries bring a bright pop of color and a fresh, tart flavor to the dish.
• Milk: Essential for mixing with the pudding mix to create that smooth, luscious consistency.
• French Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides rich vanilla flavor and thickens the pudding for that perfect velvety texture.
• Cream Cheese: Softened and whipped in for an indulgent creaminess that elevates each bite.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness, enhancing the dessert’s luscious mouthfeel.
• Frozen Whipped Topping: Folded in for lightness and airiness, balancing the dense cream cheese mixture beautifully.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by lining a 13×9-inch dish with one box of vanilla wafers. These wafers will soak up the pudding, providing a crunchy yet tender foundation that supports all those delicious layers on top.

Step 2: Add the Bananas

Spread sliced bananas evenly over the wafer layer. The bananas offer a buttery sweetness that complements the vanilla flavor and adds a creamy texture as they soften.

Step 3: Make the Pudding Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of milk with the French vanilla pudding mix. Beat until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. This step creates the luscious vanilla base that will coat every bite with irresistible creaminess.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until the blend is perfectly creamy and dreamy. This combination is key to making the pudding extra rich and velvety.

Step 5: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold the thawed frozen whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. This adds air and lightness, making the pudding silky without being too dense.

Step 6: Combine the Pudding and Cream Cheese Mixtures

Mix the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until everything is seamlessly blended. This ensures a smooth, consistent texture packed with flavor in every spoonful.

Step 7: Assemble the Pudding

Pour the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the bananas and vanilla wafers in your dish, making sure the entire surface is covered. This envelops the fruit and wafers, bringing all layers together.

Step 8: Add the Strawberries

Sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries on top of the pudding layer. Their juicy, tart notes will balance the sweet creaminess and introduce a beautiful red hue.

Step 9: Top with More Vanilla Wafers

Finish by adding the second box of vanilla wafers as a crunchy topping. This upper layer will soften slightly as it chills but still provides a delightful textural contrast.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled pudding for 2 to 3 hours so it sets perfectly. Serving this chilled ensures the flavors meld together and the texture is just right—ready to wow your taste buds.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

Add fresh strawberry slices or banana coins on top for a pretty presentation and an extra burst of freshness that invites guests to dive right in.

Side Dishes

This pudding is so rich and satisfying that a simple side like lightly sweetened iced tea or a crisp green salad balances the meal wonderfully without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the pudding in individual glass jars or clear parfait cups. Layer the strawberries and bananas visibly between the pudding to show off every colorful layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pudding in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy seconds or save it for the next day’s treat.

Freezing

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, as freezing can change the texture of the fruit and creamy layers. It’s not recommended to freeze this dessert.

Reheating

Pudding of this kind is intended to be served cold, so reheating is not necessary. If preferred, let refrigerated leftovers sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works wonderfully and can even enhance the pudding’s texture with its rich, airy quality.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out the vanilla wafers for a gluten-free version to keep the delightful crunch without the gluten.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy, as firmer slices hold their shape better throughout the chilling process.

Can I prepare this pudding the night before?

Definitely! Making the pudding a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the wafers to soften perfectly by serving time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter option?

You can try using mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist, though the texture and flavor will shift slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe that makes it a timeless classic in any dessert lineup. Its layers of flavor and texture come together like a warm hug in dessert form, inviting everyone back for one more spoonful. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to end a meal or brighten up an afternoon snack time with family and friends.

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