This Strawberry Banana Pudding takes the classic dessert to the next level, combining the creamy goodness of traditional banana pudding with the fresh, juicy flavor of strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a sweet treat, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fruity Twist: The combination of bananas and strawberries adds a fresh, fruity burst to the classic pudding.
- No-Bake Dessert: It’s super easy to make and requires no baking, so it’s perfect for busy days or warm weather when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Perfect Layers: Each spoonful delivers the perfect mix of creamy pudding, soft banana slices, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the layers:
- 3-4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 box (12 oz) Nilla Wafers (or any other vanilla wafer cookies)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding
- In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the pudding thickens (about 2 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and airy texture for the pudding.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Step 2: Layer the Dessert
- In a large glass trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of Nilla Wafers at the bottom. Place them flat so that the entire bottom is covered.
- Add a layer of banana slices on top of the wafers, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Spoon a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the fruit and cookies, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Repeat the layers, starting with another layer of Nilla Wafers, followed by banana slices, strawberries, and finishing with the remaining pudding mixture.
- End with a final layer of sliced strawberries on top for a beautiful, colorful presentation.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften into the pudding.
- Before serving, garnish with extra strawberry slices and banana slices for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe but not overripe. Ripe bananas will have the perfect balance of sweetness and texture for this dessert.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the pudding to chill gives it the best flavor and texture. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.
- Alternate with other fruits: If you want to experiment, feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to the layers for extra variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Garnish with a few extra crushed Nilla Wafers on top for a delightful crunch and added texture.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream before serving for even more creaminess.
- Ice Cream: For an indulgent touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side.
FAQ
1. Can I use regular pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
It’s best to use instant vanilla pudding for this recipe, as it sets quickly and is easy to mix. Regular pudding requires cooking and might affect the texture and timing of the dessert.
2. How long does this dessert keep in the fridge?
This Strawberry Banana Pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bananas may darken slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert tastes even better the next day after it has had time to chill and let the flavors meld together. It’s a great option for make-ahead gatherings.
4. Can I substitute the Nilla Wafers?
If you can’t find Nilla Wafers, feel free to substitute with other vanilla wafer cookies or even ladyfingers for a different texture.
Strawberry Banana Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries with the rich creaminess of homemade vanilla pudding. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a bite. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion and will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy
