Creamy, fruity, and irresistibly easy—strawberry banana pudding is the no-bake dessert that wins every time. Whether you need a quick treat for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe delivers perfection in just five steps.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding
No Oven Needed
Skip the baking stress. This pudding sets in the fridge, making it ideal for hot days or last-minute cravings.Budget-Friendly Ingredients
With staples like vanilla wafers, fresh fruit, and instant pudding mix, it’s affordable without sacrificing flavor.Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleasing
The sweet-tart balance of strawberries and bananas appeals to all ages—perfect for parties or weeknight desserts.Make-Ahead Convenience
Prep it hours (or a day) ahead. The flavors meld beautifully, saving you time when hosting.
Pro Tip: For a luxury twist, layer in homemade whipped cream or swap vanilla wafers for shortbread cookies.
Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding
Essential Components
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (or banana cream for extra flavor)
- 2 cups cold whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced (toss with 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning)
- 12 oz vanilla wafers (or graham crackers for a nutty twist)
Optional Upgrades
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (enhances pudding depth)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for sweetening whipped cream)
- Fresh mint leaves (garnish for color)
Ingredient Hack: Use frozen strawberries in a pinch—thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy layers.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding
Step 1: Prep the Pudding Base
Whisk pudding mix and milk in a bowl for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in half the whipped cream for lightness.
Step 2: Layer Cookies & Fruit
In a trifle dish or 9×13 pan, arrange vanilla wafers in a single layer. Top with banana slices, then strawberries.
Step 3: Add Pudding
Spread half the pudding mixture over the fruit. Repeat layers (cookies → fruit → pudding).
Step 4: Chill to Set
Cover and refrigerate for 4+ hours. This softens the cookies into cake-like layers.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with remaining whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices. Add mint for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Time-Saver: Use pre-sliced fruit from the grocery store to cut prep time in half.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Banana Pudding
Occasion-Based Ideas
- Summer BBQs: Serve in individual mason jars for portable sweetness.
- Brunch Spreads: Pair with mimosas or iced coffee for a decadent touch.
- Holiday Dinners: Swap strawberries for peppermint and add crushed candy canes.
Flavor Variations
- Tropical: Use coconut pudding mix and add diced pineapple.
- Chocolate Lovers: Layer with chocolate pudding and drizzle with ganache.
Presentation Tip: Dust with cocoa powder or edible glitter for Instagram-ready desserts.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Essential Components:
- 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (or banana cream)
- 2 cups cold whole milk or almond milk for dairy-free
- 1 cup heavy cream whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 lb fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 ripe bananas sliced (toss with 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 12 oz vanilla wafers or graham crackers
Optional Upgrades:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar for whipped cream
- Fresh mint leaves garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Base: Whisk pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Gently fold in half the whipped cream.
- Layer Cookies & Fruit: In a trifle dish or 9×13 pan, arrange vanilla wafers in a single layer. Top with banana slices, then strawberries.
- Add Pudding: Spread half the pudding mixture over the fruit. Repeat layers: cookies → fruit → pudding.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to soften cookies.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with remaining whipped cream and strawberry slices. Add mint for a fresh touch.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes! Adjust sweetness by adding a touch of honey to the fruit layers.
How long does it last?
Up to 2 days in the fridge (bananas may darken slightly).
Can I freeze it?
Freezing isn’t recommended—the texture turns watery upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
- Whip it up—this recipe takes just 15 minutes of active prep.
- Customize it—experiment with different fruits or cookie bases.
- Share it—tag us in your creations for a chance to be featured!
Ready to indulge? Grab your ingredients and let’s make dessert magic.
Want more recipes like this? Banana Pudding Cookies Recipes or check out our last post Creamy White Chocolate at Home