Strawberry Banana Pudding: A Sweet and Simple Crowd-Pleaser

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Strawberry Banana Pudding: A Sweet and Simple Crowd-Pleaser

Looking for a no-bake dessert that’s cool, creamy, fruity, and guaranteed to impress a crowd? This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a fresh take on a Southern classic. It’s packed with layers of ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, soft vanilla wafers, and a dreamy mixture of pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping.

This recipe is easy to throw together and perfect for birthdays, BBQs, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something sweet. The best part? It requires no oven time at all!

Let’s walk through this simple recipe and talk tips, variations, and how to make it ahead.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Banana Pudding

There’s something about the creamy texture, the soft cookies, and the blend of fruit that makes this pudding so addictive. The strawberries give it a pop of tartness that balances the sweetness of the bananas and pudding.

This dessert is also:

  • Make-ahead friendly – great for prepping the night before

  • Kid-approved – it disappears fast at family events

  • Customizable – add nuts, chocolate, or switch the pudding flavor

Plus, it looks beautiful in a glass trifle bowl or a simple baking dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy Strawberry Banana Pudding:

  • 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers – the base and top layer of the pudding

  • 6 to 8 bananas, sliced – ripe but still firm

  • 1 container of strawberries, chopped – fresh is best

  • 2 cups milk – cold whole milk for pudding mix

  • 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding – instant pudding for ease

  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened

  • 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping, thawed – or homemade whipped cream

You’ll also need a 13×9 inch dish for layering.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1: Build Your Base

Start by lining the bottom of your dish with one box of Vanilla Wafers. Then, layer your sliced bananas evenly across the top.

Step 2: Mix the Pudding

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cold milk and the French Vanilla pudding mix. Beat it with a hand mixer for a couple of minutes until it thickens. Set aside.

Step 3: Blend Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk

In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Now gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Don’t overmix—just enough until combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Pour the cream cheese mixture into the pudding bowl and stir until it’s fully blended. This creates the rich and fluffy filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Pour the pudding mixture over the bananas and cookies. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now add a generous layer of chopped strawberries across the top. Finish by adding the second box of Vanilla Wafers as the top layer.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This gives the wafers time to soften and all the flavors to come together.

Helpful Tips

Use ripe, but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can turn mushy and dark in the pudding.
Soak bananas in lemon water for a minute to keep them from browning if making ahead.
Don’t skip the chill time. The dessert needs a few hours to fully set and soften.
Want it less sweet? Use unsweetened whipped cream instead of whipped topping.

Easy Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or cookies.

  • Low-Sugar: Swap out regular pudding and whipped topping for sugar-free versions.

  • Berry Mix: Add blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist.

  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.

  • Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate pudding and chocolate wafers instead.

How to Store

Keep your strawberry banana pudding covered in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. It’s not freezer-friendly, though, since bananas and cream don’t thaw well.

FAQs

What is the best way to keep bananas from turning brown in banana pudding?

Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering. This helps slow oxidation without affecting flavor much.

Can I make strawberry banana pudding ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is actually best when made ahead. Chill it for at least 2–4 hours or overnight so the flavors set and the wafers soften.

What kind of wafers are best for banana pudding?

Classic Vanilla Wafers are the go-to. You can also use graham crackers or shortbread cookies if you like a twist.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Just whip about 1.5 cups of heavy cream with a tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cream cheese mixture the same way.

How long does strawberry banana pudding last in the fridge?

It stays good for 3 to 4 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown and the texture softens too much.

Can I make strawberry banana pudding without cream cheese?

Yes, but it will be less rich. You can just mix the pudding with whipped topping for a lighter version.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why this Strawberry Banana Pudding is always a hit—it’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re making it for your family or bringing it to a potluck, it’ll be the first thing gone from the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dessert!

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