This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and crisp vanilla wafers. It comes together without much effort and tastes even better after chilling, when the cookies soften and all the flavors blend together.
Ingredients
For the Pudding Layer
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups cold whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
For the Fruit and Cookie Layers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam, optional
For the Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- ½ cup sliced strawberries
- A few banana slices
- Crushed vanilla wafers, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mixes with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gently fold in one 8-ounce container of whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
2. Prepare the Fruit
Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly, then remove the stems and slice them.
Peel the bananas and slice them just before assembling the dessert to help prevent excessive browning.
3. Build the First Layer
Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom of a 9 × 13-inch baking dish or large serving dish.
Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries over the cookies.
For extra strawberry flavor, lightly warm the strawberry jam and drizzle a small amount over the fruit.
4. Add the Pudding
Spread approximately half of the pudding mixture evenly over the fruit.
Use a spatula to gently smooth the surface.
5. Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layers:
- Vanilla wafers
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Remaining pudding mixture
Smooth the top evenly.
6. Add the Topping
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding.
Decorate with sliced strawberries, banana slices, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers.
For the best appearance, add the banana slices shortly before serving.
7. Chill
Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
This allows the vanilla wafers to soften and absorb some of the creamy pudding while the fruit flavors blend together.
Helpful Tips
Use ripe but firm bananas: Very soft bananas can become mushy in the pudding.
Dry the strawberries well: Excess water can make the dessert watery.
Don’t skip the chilling time: The dessert needs several hours in the refrigerator for the cookies to soften and the layers to set.
Add bananas on top later: If you want the garnish to look fresh, add the final banana slices just before serving.
For extra creaminess: You can replace 1 cup of the milk with heavy cream, although the standard recipe is already rich and creamy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This dessert is excellent for making ahead. Assemble it several hours before serving and keep it refrigerated.
For the freshest appearance, reserve some strawberries and banana slices for decorating just before serving.
Storage
Cover tightly and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
The bananas may gradually darken and the wafers will become softer, but the dessert will remain delicious.
Serving
Spoon the chilled pudding into individual dessert cups or serve directly from the baking dish.
Each bite combines creamy vanilla pudding, sweet strawberries, soft bananas, and tender vanilla wafers for a simple dessert that tastes like a classic homemade favorite.