Fresh strawberries and bananas layered with sweet vanilla pudding and vanilla wafer cookies is a little twist on the classic banana pudding. Make this luscious strawberry banana pudding for your next special occasion, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Blue's Best Life.
(Blue's Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Programs. I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. This helps me keep the blog going!)- Bobbie
Table of contents
Why This Strawberry Banana Pudding Is The Best!
This creamy pudding dish with the beautiful pop of color from the real strawberries will quickly become your families new favorite dessert! This dessert is loaded with fresh fruit so it seems a little healthier, right? Plus the addition of sweet strawberries gives a contrasting flavor to the bananas that is a nice surprise to the original recipe.
It's the perfect special treat to whip up for the summertime (Yes! No heating up the oven!). While it's still elegant enough for a graduation, bridal shower or mother's day celebration banana pudding is perfect for even a backyard barbeque!
Love Desserts? Try These Recipes Next!
Key Ingredients
instant vanilla pudding- is so easy to make and sets quickly. It has a fresh flavor that meshes well with bananas and strawberries. Make sure to get the larger 5 ounce package of vanilla pudding mix.
heavy cream- or whipping cream can be used interchangeably in this recipe. The difference between them is that heavy whipping cream contains more milk fat so it will hold it shape longer.
bananas- choose ripe bananas that are at the perfect ripeness for eating. If they are overly ripe and brown, save those for banana muffins because they will not hold up well in banana pudding.
Step-by-step instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine instant pudding and milk stirring with a whisk until the lumps have completely dissolved. Add a can of sweetened condensed milk to the pudding and stir till combined. Press plastic wrap on top of pudding and refrigerate. This will prevent getting the ”skin” on top of the pudding which isn't very appealing.
Instant pudding sets quickly so make your whipped cream while the pudding sets.
The best way to do this is to use either a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat the cream with powder sugar and vanilla extract. Start on low speed and gradually increase as the cream becomes fluffy. This will take a few minutes. Be careful to not over whip the cream, it should be soft and fluffy like a cloud, and not grainy in texture.
Once the pudding is set and the cream is whipped, it is time to mix the two together. Remember to reserve two cups of whipped cream and then use a spatula to mix the remaining whipped cream and pudding together.
Assembling the banana strawberry pudding is the best part of this recipe! I love using a trifle dish because it looks beautiful when everything is layered. Start the layers with the wafers in the bottom of the trifle dish. Use a rubber spatula to spread a third of the pudding mixture on the bottom and line a row of wafers around the glass so you can see them. Add another layer of cookies, then top with sliced bananas and strawberries.
Repeat with two more layers, then top with the reserved whipped cream. Crush a few leftover cookies to sprinkle on top and garnish with a strawberry.
Serving Suggestions
After assembled, refrigerate the strawberry pudding until ready to serve. This is the best when made the day of and has a few hours in the refrigerator. This allows the cookies a chance to soften from the pudding and all of the sweet flavors to meld together.
Scoop out servings in bowls. Don't worry this dessert is not meant to be a beautiful once you scoop from the trifle dish, but it will definitely have a wonderful sweetness in each bite!
Expert Tips
- How to whip cream- start with cold cream. My grandmother would always take the extra step of chilling her bowl and beater attachments to her hand mixer. This will give you the best results for making whipped topping.
- Because bananas brown quickly do not slice your bananas until you are ready to build the layers of strawberry banana pudding. And if using bananas for the top to garnish, do the decorating just before serving.
FAQ
How do you keep bananas from turning brown in pudding?
When bananas are exposed to oxygen they begin to brown due to an oxidation process. Citrus can help reduce and delay this process. Use lemon juice or orange juice to prevent the bananas from browning by brushing with a thin layer of juice. Do not over saturate because that would change the flavor of the sweet banana.
Can I use banana flavored instant pudding instead of vanilla flavored?
Yes! You can use either flavor. The vanilla flavor pairs well with the combination of strawberries and bananas. Some people do not care for the artificial flavor or instant banana pudding mix.
Will banana pudding keep overnight?
Banana pudding is best served within 3-5 hours of assembling. Of course if you have leftovers it is completely safe to eat, however the bananas do begin to brown. Your dessert will still taste good it just may not look as appetizing.
Can I use cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
While I prefer the flavor of whipped cream over Cool Whip you can substitute with equal measurements. You will need 5 cups of cool whip to replace the heavy cream in this recipe. (2.5 cups heavy cream will double when whipped.)
Do I have to use a trifle dish?
No! If you do not have one of these dishes you can make this dessert in a large clear bowl with the same pretty effect. You can even make this in a square pan and it will taste just as good!
Do you have to refrigerate banana pudding?
Yes! Because of the large amounts of dairy, banana pudding needs to be refrigerated. Serve the pudding chilled.
Looking For Other Dessert Recipes? Try These!
Key Lime Pie with Chocolate Crust and Raspberry Sauce
Cinnamon Bread Pudding {with Cinnamon Bourbon Sauce}
Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats {with Chocolate}
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Strawberry Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 5 ounce box instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 1 pint strawberries, sliced
- 3 banana, sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together pudding, milk and condensed milk. You can do this by hand with a whisk. Combine till smooth. Cover and refrigerate to set for 5- 10 minutes.
- In another large bowl mix together the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract with a hand mixer. Beat till stiff peaks form.
- Reserve 2 cups of whipped cream and add the rest to the pudding once set. Use spatula to combine.
- In a trifle dish or bowl start to layer the pudding by spreading a layer of wafers along the bottom and one row around side.
- Spread a few spoonfuls of pudding along bottom to cover wafers.
- Next add a layer off banana and strawberry slices alternating in a circle.
- Spread a few more large spoonfuls of pudding to cover strawberries and bananas. Repeat layer and add bananas and strawberry slices along the sides of the bowl.
- After the last layer top with the reserved 2 cups of whipped cream, crushed wafers, strawberry slices or bananas.
Robert
My family loves treats with strawberries and bananas. This is amazing!
bobbieblue
I'm so glad your family loved this spin on the classic banana pudding!