Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delicious twist on the classic banana pudding dessert. It’s creamy, fruity, and easy to make, with layers of vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream. This dessert is perfect for a crowd, as it’s both refreshing and indulgent!
Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Strawberry Banana Pudding:
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box Nilla wafers (or any vanilla wafer cookies)
- 3-4 bananas, sliced
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for macerating the strawberries)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pudding:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk (if using) for added creaminess. Mix until smooth, then set aside.
2. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a separate bowl, fold the whipped topping into the prepared pudding. This will give it a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Mix gently until fully combined.
3. Prepare the Strawberries:
- If you prefer, you can macerate the strawberries to enhance their flavor. Simply slice the strawberries and toss them with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their natural juices. This step is optional but adds extra sweetness and flavor to the strawberries.
4. Assemble the Pudding:
- In a large trifle dish, serving bowl, or individual cups, begin by layering Nilla wafers at the bottom of the dish.
- Top with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the pudding.
- Repeat the layers as needed (cookies, bananas, pudding, and strawberries) until you run out of ingredients, making sure the top layer is pudding.
5. Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate the pudding for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.
6. Serve:
- Before serving, you can garnish with a few extra Nilla wafers or some additional whipped cream on top for decoration.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make it ahead: Strawberry Banana Pudding is a great dessert to prepare in advance, as it gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
- Fresh fruit: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with other berries or even peaches for a fun twist.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free pudding mix, non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk), and vegan whipped topping to make it a dairy-free treat.
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is sure to be a hit at any gathering—creamy, fruity, and full of flavor with just the right amount of sweetness!