Strawberry banana pudding is a creamy, fruity dessert that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas, the bright flavor of fresh strawberries, and the smooth richness of vanilla pudding. Hi, I’m Riley Thompson, and this recipe quickly became one of my favorites in the kitchen. Growing up, desserts were simple but special, and recreating comforting treats like this pudding has always made me feel at home. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this strawberry banana pudding is easy, delicious, and full of nostalgic charm.
Table of Contents
Strawberry Banana Pudding That Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy, fruity dessert layered with vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for family gatherings, summer parties, or a quick sweet treat at home.
Ingredients
1.5 cups milk
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (regular or sugar-free)
1/2 cup whipped topping (Tru Whip or Cool Whip, regular or sugar-free)
16 oz strawberries, sliced
4 bananas, sliced
1/4 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
Optional: extra whipped topping or cookies for garnish
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk milk and instant pudding mix until smooth and thickened.
Gently fold in Greek yogurt and whipped topping until creamy.
In a glass dish or trifle bowl, layer crushed vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom.
Add a layer of banana slices and strawberries over the cookies.
Spread a layer of the pudding mixture on top of the fruit.
Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish with extra whipped topping, cookies, or fresh fruit before serving.
Notes
Best served chilled after at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
To prevent bananas from browning, slice them right before layering.
For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping.
Make individual servings in cups or jars for easy grab-and-go desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: strawberry banana pudding, banana pudding recipe, summer dessert
A Sweet Beginning with Strawberry Banana Pudding
Growing up, desserts were rare treats, and the ones we did have were simple but memorable. For me, one of those classics was banana pudding. When I moved to Asheville, New York, I wanted to recreate that comfort from my childhood—but with a twist. That’s when strawberry banana pudding entered my kitchen. The combination of sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and creamy pudding felt like a hug in a bowl. Making it reminds me of those Saturday mornings when baking with my mom turned the kitchen into a joyful mess.
Why Strawberry Banana Pudding Is a Family Favorite
What makes strawberry banana pudding special isn’t just the taste—it’s the memories it evokes. The layers of fruit, pudding, and cookies make it both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. It’s a dessert that’s approachable for beginner cooks, yet impressive enough to serve at family gatherings. Over the years, I’ve experimented with ingredient swaps, from Greek yogurt for extra creaminess to sugar-free pudding for a lighter version. No matter the variation, the result is always a creamy, fruity dessert that brings people together.
This pudding is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing food. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make strawberry banana pudding a dessert I reach for again and again, whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special celebration.
What You Need and How to Make It
Ingredients You’ll Actually Use
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | 1.5 cups | Cold, for pudding mix |
| Plain Greek Yogurt | 1 cup | Adds creaminess |
| Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix | 3.4 oz | Regular or sugar-free |
| Whipped Topping | 1/2 cup | Tru Whip or Cool Whip, regular or sugar-free |
| Strawberries | 16 oz | Sliced |
| Bananas | 4 | Sliced, add just before serving to prevent browning |
| Vanilla Wafer Cookies | 1/4 cup | Crushed, for layering |
| Optional Topping | As desired | Extra whipped topping or cookies |
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Step by Step
- Whisk the pudding: In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk until thickened, about 2 minutes. This forms the creamy base for your dessert.
- Fold in yogurt and whipped topping: Gently add Greek yogurt and whipped topping to the pudding. Fold carefully until smooth. This step makes the pudding extra creamy and fluffy.
- Start layering: Spread a layer of crushed vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of your serving dish. It gives a satisfying crunch.
- Add fruit: Place a layer of banana slices over the cookies, then top with sliced strawberries. The fruit adds natural sweetness and freshness.
- Top with pudding: Spoon a layer of the pudding mixture over the fruit and smooth gently.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering cookies, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until your dish is full, finishing with a top layer of pudding.
- Chill before serving: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows flavors to meld and the pudding to set perfectly.
Pro Tip from Me: If you want a little extra flair, drizzle a tiny bit of strawberry syrup between layers or garnish with mint leaves before serving.
Tips While Cooking and What’s in Your Pudding
Things I Learned Making Strawberry Banana Pudding
Making strawberry banana pudding is easier than it looks, but a few tricks will make it even better:
- Don’t overmix the pudding: Once you fold in the whipped topping and Greek yogurt, gently fold rather than stir. This keeps the texture light and airy.
- Prevent browning bananas: Slice bananas right before serving or lightly brush with lemon juice. Browning won’t ruin the flavor, but fresh-looking fruit makes the pudding more appealing.
- Let it chill properly: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the pudding set. The cookies will soften slightly, creating a creamy, cohesive dessert.
- Layer creatively: Play with the order—cookies first, pudding first, fruit in between. Everyone has a favorite way to layer.
- Make ahead: This pudding is great for parties. Assemble it a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add banana slices last-minute if you want them perfect.
- Experiment with textures: For crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or granola between layers. For extra sweetness, drizzle a little strawberry or caramel sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using overly ripe bananas too early—they’ll turn brown and mushy.
- Adding too much milk to the pudding mix; it can become runny.
- Not letting the pudding chill long enough—flavors won’t fully meld.
Nutritional Info (and How to Keep It Lighter)
Here’s a breakdown for one serving of this dessert:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal | Can reduce with sugar-free pudding and whipped topping |
| Protein | 4 g | Greek yogurt adds protein |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g | Includes natural sugar from fruit |
| Fat | 10 g | Mostly from whipped topping; use light topping to reduce |
| Fiber | 3 g | From bananas and strawberries |
| Sugars | 18 g | Can swap ingredients for sugar-free versions |
Extra Tips:
- Swap cookies for graham crackers for a slightly different flavor.
- Mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for subtle warmth.
Flavor Boosters I Love:
- A splash of vanilla extract in the pudding mix adds depth.
- Toasted coconut between layers creates a tropical twist.
- Mini chocolate chips for a surprise bite kids love.
This expanded approach gives readers more practical advice, alternative ideas, and options for customization while keeping the article conversational and approachable.
Tips, Tricks, and How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding
My Go-To Tips for Perfect Pudding Every Time
Making strawberry banana pudding is simple, but a few little tricks make it even better:
- Layer carefully: Take your time when layering cookies, fruit, and pudding. Even layers make it look more impressive and help every bite have a balance of flavors.
- Keep it fresh: Add bananas just before serving to prevent browning, and cover the dish tightly if storing leftovers.
- Chill for flavor: Refrigerating for at least 2 hours allows the cookies to soften slightly and the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Play with texture: Sprinkle a few crushed cookies or granola on top before serving for crunch, or fold in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Use seasonal fruit: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches depending on what’s fresh.
Serving Suggestions People Love
- Individual cups: Serve the pudding in small cups or mason jars for parties—it’s cute, portable, and perfect for portion control.
- Fancy topping: Add extra whipped topping, fresh fruit slices, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce on top for a pretty presentation.
- Family-style: Serve straight from a trifle dish for a casual, homey vibe that encourages everyone to dig in.
- Pairings: Goes well with iced tea, lemonade, or even a light dessert wine for an adult twist.
Extra Tip from Me: If you want to make it a “fun kids’ dessert,” add colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips on top. It makes the pudding more festive and appealing for little hands.
Final Thoughts:
Strawberry banana pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a reminder that simple ingredients, layered with care, can create something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight, a family gathering, or a special celebration, this pudding is creamy, fruity, and full of nostalgia. It’s easy, flexible, and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Conclusion
Strawberry banana pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that brings a little nostalgia to every spoonful. With layers of creamy pudding, fresh strawberries, sweet bananas, and crunchy cookies, it’s simple to make but always impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a special celebration, this strawberry banana pudding is versatile, easy to customize, and endlessly satisfying. Remember, the best part of making it is enjoying the process and sharing it with others. Try this recipe and make your dessert table a little sweeter today.
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FAQ About Strawberry Banana Pudding
Q1: Can I make strawberry banana pudding ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble it a few hours or even a day ahead. Just add the banana slices right before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Chilling allows the layers to meld and gives a creamier texture.
Q2: Can I use non-dairy alternatives in this pudding?
A2: Absolutely! Substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a plant-based whipped topping to make the strawberry banana pudding dairy-free. The flavor will still be creamy and delicious.
Q3: How long can leftover pudding be stored?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cookies will soften further and the bananas may brown slightly, but it will still taste great.
Q4: Can I add other fruits to strawberry banana pudding?
A4: Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work beautifully. Mixing fruits adds extra color, flavor, and texture, making the pudding even more festive and appealing.
Q5: Can I make it sugar-free or lower in calories?
A5: You can use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping to reduce sugar and calories. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein while keeping the dessert lighter without sacrificing taste.
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