Discover the simple joy of creating this creamy, no-bake dessert. This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a perfect blend of sweet, juicy strawberries and ripe, soft bananas. It’s an ideal treat for summer gatherings or whenever you desire a refreshingly sweet dish. You will find it simple to make yet impressive to serve, bringing smiles to everyone at your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding
This delightful dessert quickly becomes a favorite for many reasons:
- It offers an effortless no-bake preparation, saving you time and oven space.
- Each spoonful provides layers of fresh fruit flavor, bright and satisfying.
- You will appreciate its luxuriously creamy texture, making every bite smooth.
- This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing.
- It is customizable; adapt it with your favorite cookies or fruit combinations.
- The finished dish is both refreshing and light, fitting for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make this amazing Strawberry Banana Pudding, gather these items:
- For the Pudding Mix:
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) Instant vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (whole, oat, or almond milk works well)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz softened cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced (this ingredient is optional)
- 1 box Chessman cookies (this ingredient is optional for garnish)
- For the Macerated Strawberries:
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences. Use your preferred type of milk, whether it is whole, oat, or almond, as they all work well with the instant pudding. Choose between vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix based on what you enjoy most. Feel free to adjust the quantity of bananas to your taste; some prefer more, some less.
Vanilla wafers are classic, but you can swap them for graham crackers if you prefer a different cookie base. For a more vibrant color in your Strawberry Banana Pudding, add a few drops of red food coloring to the cream cheese mixture.
Equipment
You will need common kitchen tools to prepare this creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding.
Gather large mixing bowls for combining ingredients and an electric hand mixer for achieving a smooth consistency. A whisk helps blend the pudding mix thoroughly, while a rubber spatula allows for gentle folding. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling your dessert layers. Lastly, have measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts and plastic wrap to cover and chill the pudding.
How To Make Strawberry Banana Pudding
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your homemade Strawberry Banana Pudding:
Macerate Strawberries: First, wash and slice your fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl, add the granulated sugar, and mix everything gently. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for at least one hour. The longer the strawberries sit, the more sweet syrup they will release, adding a deeper flavor to your no-bake fruit dessert.Maceration is a culinary technique that involves soaking fruit in a liquid to soften it and draw out its natural juices, creating a delicious syrup. To learn more about this process, refer to this explanation of fruit maceration in cooking.
Prepare Pudding Base: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the instant pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk these together vigorously for about two minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Transfer this pudding base to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes to set completely, which helps create a firm foundation for your creamy strawberry and banana layers.
Create Cream Cheese Mixture: In another clean large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and smooth. Slowly add two tablespoons of the strawberry syrup that collected from your macerated strawberries. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, making sure not to overmix. Then, add three more tablespoons of the strawberry syrup for added flavor and color. Finally, fold in two tablespoons of the macerated strawberries into this creamy mixture.
Combine Pudding Mixtures: Carefully combine the cream cheese mixture into the chilled, prepared pudding. Fold them together until you achieve a smooth and uniform consistency. Be gentle to maintain the airy texture from the Cool Whip. This creates the main creamy layer for your easy pudding treat.
Assemble the Pudding Layers: Prepare your 9×13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of your combined pudding mixture on the bottom of the dish. Next, add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers. You can crush them lightly for texture or finely for a smoother layer. Then, add a layer of your macerated strawberries and, if using, arrange the sliced ripe bananas evenly. Repeat these layers two more times, ensuring each component is spread carefully. Finish the assembly with a final layer of the vanilla pudding mixture on top, creating a smooth surface. This layering technique helps infuse every bite of this classic banana dessert with flavor.
Chill & Garnish: Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place the Strawberry Banana Pudding in the refrigerator and chill it overnight. This extended refrigeration time is crucial; it allows all the flavors to meld together and the layers to set perfectly, resulting in a firm, easy-to-slice dessert.
Do not decorate your pudding until just before you plan to serve it. Before presenting, decorate your chilled Strawberry Banana Pudding with additional cookies, fresh strawberry slices, and a drizzle of the remaining strawberry syrup.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth, creamy mixture for your no-bake dessert.
- Pudding Consistency: Do not overmix the instant pudding. Whisk it just until smooth and thickened, as overmixing can lead to a runny consistency.
- Chilling Time: Allow the Strawberry Banana Pudding to chill overnight for the best results. This extended time lets the layers set properly and flavors deepen.
- Prevent Soggy Cookies: Layer your cookies just before chilling the pudding. This helps them soften slightly without becoming overly mushy.
- Banana Browning: To prevent sliced bananas from browning, toss them lightly in a small amount of lemon juice before adding them to the layers.
- Layering Technique: Spread each layer gently to avoid disturbing the previous one. A rubber spatula works well for smooth distribution.
- Runny Pudding: If your pudding seems runny, check that you used the correct milk-to-pudding ratio as specified on the pudding mix box. Cold milk is also important for proper setting.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy, refreshing Strawberry Banana Pudding well-chilled to ensure the best texture and taste. For an appealing presentation, garnish the top with fresh strawberry slices, additional whole vanilla wafers, or a few Chessman cookies. You can present this delightful treat in the 9×13 inch baking dish for a family-style dessert, or scoop individual portions into glass cups or a large trifle dish for a more elegant display.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Strawberry Banana Pudding tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Consume it within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and texture. Keep in mind that the bananas may start to brown after the first day, but this does not affect the overall taste or safety.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different flavor combinations for your pudding. Create a mixed berry pudding by adding blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries alongside the strawberries. Introduce white chocolate chips or shavings into the pudding mixture for an extra layer of sweetness. Substitute the classic Chessman cookies with shortbread cookies or even ginger snaps for a different spiced crunch. For a truly unique and easy pudding treat, try a tropical twist by incorporating diced pineapple into the fruit layers.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your food is part of healthy eating.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343 kcal |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade pudding for this Strawberry Banana Pudding?
Yes, you can use homemade vanilla pudding. Ensure it is cooled and thickened completely before mixing.
Can I freeze this Strawberry Banana Pudding?
Freezing is not recommended as it can significantly alter the creamy texture of the pudding and make the cookies soggy.
What if my pudding is too sweet?
If you find the recipe too sweet, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar added to the macerated strawberries next time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use oat or almond milk, along with dairy-free cool whip and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes to make a dairy-free Strawberry Banana Pudding.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delightful and approachable no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. Its creamy layers, fresh fruit, and satisfying cookies make it a true crowd-pleaser that comes together with ease. Preparing this easy pudding treat empowers busy parents and beginners alike to create something special. Share your delicious creation today and enjoy a moment of sweet simplicity.
Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut strawberries into small slices, mix with granulated sugar, and let sit for at least an hour to create syrup.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually fold in strawberry syrup, cool whip, and macerated strawberries until fully combined.
- Gently fold the prepared cream cheese mixture into the pudding, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency.
- Pour and spread a layer of the combined pudding mixture over vanilla wafers or chessman cookies in a serving dish.
- Create three layers by alternating crushed vanilla wafers, macerated strawberries, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture, finishing with a top layer of vanilla pudding.
- Cover the layered pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and set properly.
- Before serving, decorate your banana pudding with additional cookies, fresh strawberries, and strawberry syrup.
Notes
Diabetes Nutrition Specialist | Healthy Diet Advocate | Founder of GoldFoodie.
My passion for nutrition began with a deeply personal journey supporting my father through his battle with diabetes. Watching his daily struggles made me realize how powerful the right food choices can be in improving quality of life. That experience drove me to dedicate my career to helping others live healthier, more balanced lives.
- Rocco Fuhrman
- Rocco Fuhrman
- Rocco Fuhrman
- Rocco Fuhrman
