This strawberry banana pudding is one of our favorite creamy, crowd pleasing desserts, layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and fresh strawberries folded together with a rich, no bake pudding and topped with whipped topping. For us, that kind of simple, joyful making is exactly what real food for real life is about. There is no oven involved, just layering and chilling, and it comes out cool, creamy, and full of fruit, perfect for potlucks, parties, and warm days.
A creamy mixture of pudding, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk is layered with vanilla wafers, bananas, and strawberries, then topped with whipped topping and chilled until the wafers soften. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet fruit, and soft wafers is what makes this dessert so good. This strawberry banana pudding is an easy, make ahead favorite.
Layers of wafers, bananas, strawberries, and creamy pudding make this strawberry banana pudding a cool, crowd pleasing treat.
Why You Will Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Creamy and fruity. This strawberry banana pudding is full of bananas and strawberries.
- No bake. There is no oven involved at all.
- Make ahead. It chills, so it is perfect to prepare in advance.
- Crowd pleasing. It is always a hit at potlucks and parties.
- Easy to make. It comes together with simple layering.
What Makes This Strawberry Banana Pudding So Good
A great strawberry banana pudding starts with a rich, creamy filling. Beating cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, then mixing in pudding and milk, creates a thick, creamy, luscious base. Cream cheese adds a gentle tang and body. Condensed milk adds sweetness and richness. The pudding sets it into a soft, creamy texture. That rich, creamy filling is the heart of this dessert. It is what gives this strawberry banana pudding its luscious texture. Beating the cream cheese smooth first is the key to a lump free filling, since lumps will not blend away once the liquid goes in. Condensed milk and pudding then set everything into a thick, spoonable cream without any cooking. The result is rich and smooth, somewhere between a soft pudding and a cheesecake, and whisking it well keeps it silky and free of lumps.
Strawberries and bananas make it fresh. Layering in sliced bananas and fresh strawberries adds natural sweetness, freshness, and bright color throughout. The bananas add soft, mellow sweetness. Strawberries add a fresh, juicy, slightly tart note. Together they balance the rich, creamy filling. That fresh, fruity layer is what makes this strawberry banana pudding so good. It is what makes every bite feel light and bright. Bananas bring a soft, mellow sweetness, while strawberries add a juicy, slightly tart freshness that keeps the rich filling from feeling heavy. Slicing the bananas just before layering keeps them from browning. A light squeeze of lemon juice keeps them looking fresh even longer, and the pop of red strawberry makes the whole dish look as good as it tastes.
Wafers and chilling tie it together. Layering vanilla wafers throughout, then chilling, lets the wafers soften into a soft, cake like texture as they soak up the creamy filling. The wafers start crisp and turn soft and tender. Chilling lets the layers meld together. The flavors combine as it sits. That soft, layered texture is exactly what makes this strawberry banana pudding so good. It is creamy comfort in every spoonful. This dessert is a fresh twist on banana pudding, a Southern classic that became popular in the late 1800s. As the layered dessert chills, the wafers slowly absorb the cream and soften into a tender, cake like layer. Over time the layers blur gently together, which is exactly what you want, so this dessert is always best made well ahead of time.
Optional Pro Tip: Chill It Until the Wafers Soften
Chilling the strawberry banana pudding for several hours, until the wafers soften, is the secret to its signature soft, cake like texture, since the wafers need time to soak up the creamy filling. Chilling overnight is even better. For the best strawberry banana pudding, slice the bananas just before layering so they stay fresh. A squeeze of lemon on the bananas helps too. It is done once chilled and the wafers are soft. An overnight chill gives the softest, most melded result of all.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding
Chill this strawberry banana pudding for several hours so the wafers soften, and chill it overnight if you can. Beat the cream cheese smooth before adding the pudding. Slice the fruit just before layering.
Layer this strawberry banana pudding evenly so every scoop has wafers, fruit, and cream, and finish with whipped topping. Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. A clear dish shows off the pretty layers. Ripe but firm bananas hold up best between the creamy layers.
Variations and Add Ins
- Switch the fruit. Use blueberries or peaches.
- Add chocolate. Layer in a little chocolate pudding.
- Use graham crackers. Swap wafers for graham crackers.
- Make it lighter. Use light pudding and topping.
- Add a drizzle. Finish with a strawberry drizzle.
How to Store and Make Ahead
Store this strawberry banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and the wafers soften as it sits. Keeping it chilled keeps it fresh. It is a wonderful make ahead dessert for entertaining. Many people think it tastes even better on the second day.
This strawberry banana pudding is best made ahead and chilled, but it does not freeze well, since the fruit and cream change texture. Assemble it a day ahead for the best results. Keep it covered in the fridge. The bananas are freshest within a couple of days. After that they soften, so it is best enjoyed soon after making.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Banana Pudding
Serve this strawberry banana pudding cold, scooped into bowls or cups, showing off the creamy, fruity layers. A few extra strawberry slices on top make it pretty. It is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and summer parties. It is best enjoyed cold and fresh. Serving it in a clear glass dish shows off the pretty layers of cream and fruit.
This dessert is a fresh take on banana pudding, a Southern classic of vanilla wafers, bananas, and creamy custard layered and chilled, as described in this overview of banana pudding. Adding strawberries is exactly what makes this strawberry banana pudding so bright and refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why chill it so long?
Chilling lets the wafers soften into a soft, cake like texture as they soak up the filling, which is key for this strawberry banana pudding.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Slice them just before layering, and a light squeeze of lemon juice helps keep them fresh in this strawberry banana pudding.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It is best made a day ahead, so the wafers soften and the flavors meld in this strawberry banana pudding.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended, since the fruit and cream change texture. Keep this strawberry banana pudding chilled instead.
Can I use graham crackers?
Yes. Graham crackers work in place of vanilla wafers for a different twist on this strawberry banana pudding.
What pudding should I use?
A vanilla or French vanilla pudding works beautifully as the creamy base for this strawberry banana pudding.
Can I switch the fruit?
Yes. Blueberries or peaches make a lovely variation, on their own or with the strawberries and bananas.
Why is it runny?
It may need more chilling, or the cream cheese was not beaten smooth first. Chill it well so this strawberry banana pudding sets.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Light pudding and light whipped topping both work well in this strawberry banana pudding.
What should I serve it in?
A clear trifle dish or individual cups both show off the pretty layers of this strawberry banana pudding.
A Creamy, No Bake Layered Dessert
This strawberry banana pudding turns creamy pudding, sweet fruit, and soft vanilla wafers into a cool, layered, no bake dessert that everyone loves. It is the kind of easy, make ahead recipe that comes together with simple layering and no oven. It proves a simple dessert can be a real crowd pleaser. One creamy, fruity spoonful and you are hooked. It tastes like summer in a bowl, and everyone always asks for the recipe.
Switch the fruit, add a little chocolate, or use graham crackers to make it your own, and serve this strawberry banana pudding cold at your next gathering. Creamy, fruity, and refreshing, it is a recipe that earns a regular place in your kitchen. It is the dessert that disappears first at any party.
If you love creamy, crowd pleasing desserts like this, you will also enjoy our carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, another sweet, comforting favorite from our kitchen.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Strawberry Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Add the French Vanilla pudding and milk to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- In a large serving dish, layer the vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
- Spread the whipped topping over the final layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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