Strawberry Banana Pudding

A creamy, fruity, and easy layered dessert made with fresh strawberries, bananas, vanilla pudding, and buttery vanilla wafers.

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold whole milk
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the Layers:

• 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 package (11 oz / 312 g) vanilla wafers
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped, for topping
• 1 small banana, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding:
   In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until smooth and thick.
2. Add condensed milk:
   Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until completely combined.
3. Make the whipped cream:
   In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
4. Combine:
   Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mixture until smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
5. Prepare the fruit:
   Slice the bananas and strawberries just before assembling to help prevent the bananas from browning.
6. Start layering:
   In a large trifle dish or deep serving bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom.
7. Add fruit:
   Place a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries over the wafers.
8. Add pudding:
   Spread about one-third of the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the fruit.
9. Repeat:
   Continue layering vanilla wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until all ingredients are used. Finish with a layer of pudding on top.
10. Chill:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the best texture and flavor, chill overnight.
11. Garnish:
    Just before serving, decorate with fresh strawberry slices, banana slices, and a few vanilla wafers.
12. Serve:
    Spoon into individual serving dishes and serve cold.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 12 servings:

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 7 g
• Total Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Total Sugars: 38 g
• Added Sugars: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 260 mg
• Potassium: 390 mg

Nutrition will vary depending on the specific pudding mix, vanilla wafers, milk, and condensed milk used.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Milk/dairy
• Contains: Wheat/gluten
• May contain: Soy, depending on the vanilla wafers and pudding mix
• Eggs: Some commercial vanilla wafers may contain eggs
• Nuts: No nuts are required in this recipe
• Peanuts: No peanuts are required
• For nut allergies: Check the labels of the pudding mix and vanilla wafers for possible cross-contact.

Quick Tips & Q/S

Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
S: Yes. It can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated.

Q: How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
S: Slice the bananas shortly before assembling and make sure they are well covered by the pudding.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
S: Fresh strawberries are recommended because frozen berries release extra liquid as they thaw and can make the pudding watery.

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream?
S: Yes. Homemade whipped cream works especially well and gives the pudding a lighter texture.

Q: Can I use strawberry pudding instead of vanilla?
S: Yes. Strawberry pudding will give the dessert a stronger strawberry flavor.

Q: Why does my pudding become runny?
S: Make sure you use cold milk and the correct amount of milk specified on the pudding package. Also allow the assembled dessert enough time to chill.

Q: How long does Strawberry Banana Pudding last?
S: It is best within 1–2 days. The bananas and wafers gradually soften as the dessert sits.

Q: Can I freeze it?
S: Freezing is not recommended because the bananas and creamy pudding can change texture after thawing.

Q: Can I make individual cups?
S: Yes. Layer the wafers, fruit, and pudding in small dessert cups for easy individual servings.

Q: Can I add nuts?
S: Yes. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled between the layers if desired, but they are optional.