If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends creamy banana pudding with vibrant strawberry flavors and a delightful crunch, look no further than this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe. It’s a dreamy, no-bake treat that wraps luscious layers of pudding, fresh fruit, and crispy cookies into one irresistible dish. Every spoonful bursts with the sweet notes of ripe bananas and strawberries, while the crunchy topping adds the perfect contrast to that silky smooth texture. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a casual weekend treat, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfies every sweet tooth with its fresh, colorful charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From creamy pudding elements to fresh fruit and crunchy toppings, every component adds something unique to the dish.
- Instant banana pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): Provides that classic banana flavor and creamy base with minimal fuss.
- Cold milk (2 cups): Essential for whisking with pudding mix to achieve smooth, thickened pudding.
- Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Adds lightness and fluffy creaminess to the pudding layers.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Brings richness and natural sweetness that deepens the dessert’s flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a tangy depth and silky texture, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
- Fresh strawberries (1½ cups, sliced): Bring bright color and juicy sweetness to every bite.
- Ripe bananas (3–4, sliced): Deliver that smooth, mellow flavor classic to banana pudding.
- Vanilla wafers (1 box): Provide a crunchy, buttery base for layering.
- Golden Oreos (1 cup, crushed): Contribute a sweet crunch and subtle vanilla twist in the topping.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (¼ cup, crushed): Offer an intense strawberry punch and added texture to the crunch topping.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Binds the crunchy topping ingredients together with a rich, mellow flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Pudding Base
Start by whisking the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl. Keep whisking for about two minutes until the pudding thickens and feels creamy. This base is the heart of your dessert, setting that perfectly smooth and velvety texture.
Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Then add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix these well until silky and fully combined. This mixture adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the pudding.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese and condensed milk mixture. This step is essential to keep the mixture airy and light, creating those fluffy layers everyone adores in this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Strawberry Topping
Grab your food processor or a sealed plastic bag to crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries together until finely crumbed. Then mix in the melted butter, which helps bind this mixture into a luscious, crunchy topping that will beautifully crown your pudding.
Step 5: Layer Your Dessert
Using a 9×13-inch dish or a trifle bowl, start layering: vanilla wafers on the bottom, followed by slices of bananas and fresh strawberries. Spread a generous layer of your pudding mixture over the fruit. Repeat these layers until you use up all ingredients, always finishing with a thick, creamy layer of pudding on top.
Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping and Chill
Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the final pudding layer. Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least four hours so the flavors meld and the layers set perfectly. The chilling transforms this dish into a deliciously cool and refreshing treat.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, top individual servings with a fresh strawberry slice, a sprig of mint, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These simple touches make every spoonful feel extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This pudding stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with lightly toasted nuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can bring delightful complementary textures and flavors, making your dessert experience truly unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pudding in clear glass jars or parfait glasses to showcase the stunning layers of fruit, pudding, and crunch. This method not only makes for an eye-catching display but also keeps portions perfectly managed for guests at parties or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent the cookies from getting soggy too quickly.
Freezing
Because this pudding contains fresh fruit and whipped cream, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and make the fruit watery once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Bringing it to room temperature before serving can enhance flavor and texture, but heat will diminish its delightful creaminess and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream can be a wonderful substitute and will add a lovely homemade touch to your pudding. Just be sure it’s whipped to soft peaks before folding in.
What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
If freeze-dried strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute with finely chopped dried strawberries or leave them out. While the flavor won’t be quite as intense, the crunch topping will still be delicious.
How far in advance can I make this dessert?
This dessert is perfect for making a day ahead, thanks to the chill time required. After that, it’s best enjoyed within three days for optimal freshness and texture.
Can I swap the bananas for another fruit?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with fruits like peaches or mangoes for a different twist, but bananas are key to the classic banana pudding flavor that makes this recipe so beloved.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or gelatin ingredients, making it a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines creamy pudding with juicy fruit and a satisfyingly crunchy topping. It’s a dish that invites smiles and happy sighs with every bite, so I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up a batch and share the joy with those you love. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to make again and again!
Print
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delicious no-bake layered dessert featuring creamy banana pudding, fresh strawberries and bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and a unique strawberry crunch topping made from crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings, it combines smooth textures with fruity flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Layers
- 1½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 3–4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 1 cup crushed Golden Oreos
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mix: In a large bowl, whisk the instant banana pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine with whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, creating a creamy pudding filling.
- Create the strawberry crunch topping: In a food processor or sealed bag, crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries together. Mix the crushed mixture with melted butter until it forms a crumbly topping.
- Layer the dessert: In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom, then add sliced bananas and strawberries. Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the fruit. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of pudding on top.
- Add final topping and chill: Evenly sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the final pudding layer. Cover and chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set.
Notes
- Soak sliced bananas in lemon juice before layering to prevent browning and keep fruit fresh-looking.
- For enhanced strawberry flavor, add a layer of strawberry jam or use strawberry-flavored pudding mix instead of banana pudding.
- This recipe is best served chilled and can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
