Description
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy, layered dessert combining homemade vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped cream, this delightful pudding is a refreshing and indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding
- 1 package (5.1 oz) vanilla pudding mix (or homemade vanilla pudding)
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup sugar (optional, depending on desired sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit & Assembly
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (or your choice of cookies)
- 2 cups whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Make the Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar if using. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the pudding to cool about 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare the Fruit: While the pudding cools, slice the bananas and strawberries. Slice bananas just before assembling to avoid browning and set aside.
- Assemble the Pudding: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, start by layering vanilla wafers at the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, then spoon a layer of vanilla pudding over them. Add a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers—cookies, bananas, pudding, strawberries—until the container is filled, finishing with pudding on top.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spread whipped cream or Cool Whip evenly over the top layer of pudding for extra creaminess and a decorative finish. Garnish with additional strawberry slices or crushed vanilla wafers if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the pudding to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity dessert.
Notes
- Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning.
- You can use homemade vanilla pudding instead of the instant pudding mix for a fresher taste.
- Sugar is optional depending on your sweetness preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with additional milk or use reduced-fat whipped topping.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
