Strawberry Banana Pudding
Indulge in this creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding made with fresh fruit and vanilla layers. A quick, no-bake dessert everyone will love. Easy and delicious!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Instant Pudding Mix 1 packet, ~3.4 oz
- Vanilla pudding is a go-to choice for classic flavor. You can also use banana cream pudding mix for extra banana notes.
- If you prefer a homemade pudding or cooked pudding mix adapt the instructions accordingly.
- Cold Milk 2 cups
- Helps the pudding set. Use whole milk for a richer taste or low-fat milk if you want it lighter.
- Ensure the milk is cold to let the instant pudding thicken properly.
- Fresh Strawberries ~1–2 cups, sliced
- Provides a lively sweet-tart pop. Wash and hull them before slicing.
- Consider saving a few prettiest slices for decorative topping.
- Bananas 2–3, ripe but firm
- Sliced into coins about ¼ inch thick. Try not to let them get overly ripe as overly soft bananas might mush into the pudding too quickly.
- Whipped Topping 1 tub, ~8 oz or Homemade Whipped Cream
- Folds into the pudding for a lighter airy texture and also acts as a top layer.
- Cream cheese can also be added for a richer consistency.
- Cookies or Wafers ~1–2 cups
- Nilla wafers are a standard choice but graham crackers or chessman cookies also work. They help build structure and add an interesting crunch.
- Crumble them or keep them whole depending on your preferred texture.
- Optional Sweetened Condensed Milk ¼ cup
- Intensifies sweetness if you want an extra indulgent finish.
- Some prefer skipping this if the pudding mix and whipped topping are sweet enough.
- Optional Lemon Juice 1 teaspoon
- Sprinkling or tossing banana slices in a bit of lemon juice can help prevent browning. This is optional but can be handy if you need the dessert to look fresh for hours.
Other Helpful Ingredients:
- Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon: If using homemade whipped cream or pudding, add a dash for deeper flavor.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Provides a bright garnish if you want a hint of herbal freshness.
- Strawberry Glaze or Jam: Drizzle it between layers for a more robust berry punch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix (one packet) and 2 cups of cold milk.
- Beat for about 2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken. If the package calls for a different milk volume or mixing time, follow those directions.
- (Optional) For extra sweetness, whisk in ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk.
- Allow the mixture to rest for 2–3 minutes to fully set.
Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping
- Once the pudding thickens, fold in about ½ to 1 cup of whipped topping.
- Use a gentle motion to avoid deflating the whipped topping. This creates a light, airy pudding base.
- (Optional) If you want a denser texture, skip adding whipped topping and keep it for the final layer only.
Step 3: Slice the Fruit
- Wash and hull your strawberries, then slice them into even pieces—about ¼ inch thick. Keep a handful aside if you want to garnish the top.
- Peel and slice bananas into coins. Toss them lightly with 1 teaspoon lemon juice if you’re concerned about browning.
Step 4: Start Layering
- In your chosen dish (a glass trifle bowl or an 8×8 inch baking dish), spread a thin layer of pudding on the bottom.
- Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries next to each other, covering the pudding.
- Add a layer of banana slices over the strawberries. This ensures a good mix of both fruits in every spoonful.
Step 5: Add Cookies
- Place Nilla wafers or your cookie of choice on top of the fruit layer.
- You can crumble some if you want a crumbly texture, or keep them whole for a distinct crunchy bite.
Step 6: More Pudding
- Spread another layer of pudding, about half of what’s left in your bowl.
- Continue stacking layers: fruit, cookies, pudding. Aim for a symmetrical look if using a clear dish.
Step 7: Top It Off
- Spoon or pipe on the remaining whipped topping for a clean, finished surface.
- Decorate with sliced strawberries, banana coins, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies.
- For extra color, drizzle with strawberry syrup, or add fresh mint leaves.
Step 8: Chill
- Cover the dish tightly using plastic wrap or a fitted lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally up to 4 hours or overnight, for the pudding to set and flavors to blend.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving) Nutrient
Amount Calories: 280 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugars: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 190mg
Cholesterol: 20mg