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Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Kitchies! Let’s talk about comfort desserts—the ones that instantly make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. You know, the kind of dessert that transports you back to your grandmother’s kitchen, where sweet vanilla and fresh fruit danced in the air. That’s exactly what this Strawberry Banana Pudding is—a nostalgic, creamy, fruit-filled delight that’s both effortless and indulgent.

What makes this pudding special? It takes the best elements of classic banana pudding—the velvety custard, layers of tender vanilla wafers, and ripe bananas—and elevates it with the sweet-tart pop of fresh strawberries. The combination is out of this world, adding brightness and balance to the rich, creamy texture.

Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic, a weeknight treat, or a special holiday dessert, this pudding always delivers. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both homemade and gourmet, with layers of flavors that blend seamlessly into one dreamy bite.

And the best part? It requires no baking and comes together in minutes. Just layer, chill, and enjoy. It’s foolproof and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. My family absolutely loves it, and I can’t wait for yours to fall in love too!

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This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a fresh and fruity twist on the classic Southern favorite. Instead of just bananas, we’re layering in sweet strawberries, which add a vibrant burst of flavor and a little tartness to balance the creamy richness.

We use instant vanilla pudding mixed with fresh whipped cream (or Cool Whip) for an ultra-light yet decadent texture. The vanilla wafers soak up just the right amount of moisture, becoming soft and cake-like while maintaining a little bite.

This dessert is completely no-bake and can be prepped in under 20 minutes. Just layer everything together and let it chill in the fridge, where the flavors meld into creamy, fruity perfection.

Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings, this pudding is a dessert that always disappears fast. Whether you serve it in a big dish or elegant parfait cups, it’s guaranteed to impress!

How My Family Fell in Love with This Recipe

The first time I made this, my husband took one bite, paused, and immediately reached for another spoonful before I even got a reaction. That was when I knew I had a winner! The kids, meanwhile, went absolutely crazy for the hidden bites of fresh strawberries, saying it tasted like banana pudding and strawberry shortcake had a baby.

Now, it has become a family favorite, especially for warm-weather get-togethers. I bring it to picnics, potlucks, and birthdays, and there are never leftovers. Even my friends who claim they “don’t like banana pudding” find themselves sneaking back for seconds. It’s just that good!

Why This Strawberry Banana Pudding Is So Special

  • A Fresh Take on a Classic – Traditional banana pudding gets an upgrade with sweet, juicy strawberries for extra flavor and color.
  • No-Bake & Easy to Make – Just layer the ingredients and let the fridge do the magic. No ovens, no stress.
  • Perfectly Creamy & Balanced – The vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and fresh fruit create the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!

What You Need for Strawberry Banana Pudding

  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz Cool Whip)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (if whipping your own cream)

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding (Storytelling Style)

  1. Whip Up the Creamy Base – In a large mixing bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens. If using heavy whipping cream, beat it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then fold it into the pudding for an extra light texture. (Or just use Cool Whip for a shortcut!)
  2. Prepare the Layers – Grab a trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual serving cups. Start by covering the bottom with a layer of vanilla wafers—these will absorb the pudding and turn into soft, cake-like bites.
  3. Build the Dreamiest Layers – Spread a layer of pudding over the wafers, then add a layer of sliced bananas and fresh strawberries. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a final layer of pudding.
  4. Chill & Let the Magic Happen – Cover the pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
  5. Garnish & Serve – Before serving, top with extra strawberries, banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers for a stunning finish. Then, grab a spoon and dive in!

Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding

  • Use ripe bananas but not overly brown ones—they should be soft and sweet but still hold their shape.
  • For the freshest flavor, assemble the pudding the night before so the layers can meld but the bananas and strawberries stay vibrant.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Swap vanilla pudding for banana pudding for extra banana flavor.
  • Use graham crackers or shortbread cookies instead of vanilla wafers for a unique texture.
  • Add a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat milk to cut down on sugar and fat.
  • Swap whipped cream for Greek yogurt for extra protein.
  • Use whole-grain vanilla wafers or graham crackers for added fiber.

Closing

And there you have it—Strawberry Banana Pudding that’s creamy, dreamy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just treating yourself to something sweet, this dessert is guaranteed to hit the spot. Try it, share it, and let us know what you think! And if you loved this, check out more of our delicious dessert recipes.

Categories & Tags

Categories: Dessert, No-Bake, Summer Treats, Southern Recipes
Tags: Banana Pudding, No-Bake Dessert, Fruit Dessert, Potluck Recipe, Easy Sweets

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Banana Pudding

  1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
  2. How do I keep bananas from browning? Toss them in a little lemon juice before layering.
  3. Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well.
  4. What’s the best alternative to vanilla wafers? Graham crackers or shortbread cookies work great.
  5. How long does it last in the fridge? Up to 3 days when properly stored.
  6. Can I add nuts? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
  7. Can I make this in individual cups? Yes! It’s perfect for mini dessert cups.
  8. Can I use plant-based milk? Almond or oat milk works, but pudding may be softer.
  9. Can I skip the whipped cream? Yes, but it won’t be as light and fluffy.
  10. Can I add chocolate? Yes! A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips is delicious.
  11. Is this kid-friendly? 100%! Kids love the fruity flavors.
  12. Can I freeze it? Not recommended—it gets watery when thawed.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

  • 2 cups 2 cold milk

  • 1 cup 1 heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz Cool Whip)

  • 1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract

  • 1 1 box vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)

  • 3 3 ripe bananas, sliced

  • 1 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons 2 powdered sugar (if whipping your own cream)

Directions

  • Whip Up the Creamy Base – In a large mixing bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens. If using heavy whipping cream, beat it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then fold it into the pudding for an extra light texture. (Or just use Cool Whip for a shortcut!)
  • Prepare the Layers – Grab a trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual serving cups. Start by covering the bottom with a layer of vanilla wafers—these will absorb the pudding and turn into soft, cake-like bites.
  • Build the Dreamiest Layers – Spread a layer of pudding over the wafers, then add a layer of sliced bananas and fresh strawberries. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a final layer of pudding.
  • Chill & Let the Magic Happen – Cover the pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
  • Garnish & Serve – Before serving, top with extra strawberries, banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers for a stunning finish. Then, grab a spoon and dive in!

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