Classic Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe – Simple & Sweet
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a banana pudding recipe—especially when it’s infused with the summery goodness of ripe strawberries. This classic strawberry banana pudding recipe takes everything you love about traditional banana pudding and gives it a fruity twist that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a family get-together, a summer picnic, or simply need a delicious dessert for your kids, this dessert hits all the right notes. Creamy, fruity, and lightly sweet, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Banana pudding is a beloved dessert across the U.S., especially in the South. But when you pair it with the vibrant flavor of strawberries, it becomes even more irresistible. Kids and adults alike love this combination, and it’s the perfect way to sneak in some fruit while still indulging in something sweet. If you’re looking for more delicious, kid-friendly meal ideas and desserts, be sure to explore foodwithkidappeal.com—a fantastic resource for wholesome, fun, and flavorful recipes for the whole family.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this strawberry banana pudding recipe is simple enough to whip up with ingredients you likely already have. And if you want a version tailored specifically for younger palates, check out this flavorful twist on a banana pudding recipe that’s creamy, homemade, and kid-approved.
Why Strawberry Banana Pudding?
Strawberries and bananas are a match made in dessert heaven. Bananas bring that creamy, mellow sweetness, while strawberries add a tangy, juicy burst of flavor. Together, they balance each other beautifully, especially when layered with vanilla wafers and pudding.
Adding strawberries to banana pudding also adds a delightful pop of color, making the dish even more visually appealing. This version is great for kids’ parties, brunches, potlucks, or just an easy weeknight treat.
Let’s dive into how you can make this classic strawberry banana pudding from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 8–10 and takes about 20 minutes of prep time (plus chilling time).
For the Pudding:
- 1 (5.1 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Layers:
- 1 box of vanilla wafers
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: extra whipped cream or mint leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Stir until thickened—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create a fluffy, rich texture that takes the pudding to another level.
Step 3: Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine everything into a light, creamy filling.
Step 4: Layer Your Pudding
In a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, start layering:
- A base of vanilla wafers
- A layer of sliced bananas and strawberries
- A generous layer of pudding mixture
Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of pudding. Top with extra sliced fruit and a few crumbled wafers or whipped cream for decoration.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly, making each bite creamy and dreamy.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Use ripe bananas: The sweeter, the better. Avoid overripe bananas, as they may become mushy.
- Fresh strawberries: Fresh is best. If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well.
- Don’t skip chilling: This step is essential for the pudding to set and develop its full flavor.
- Add lemon juice to bananas: Lightly coat banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning if you’re not serving the pudding right away.
- Serve in individual cups: For parties, consider making mini servings in mason jars or clear cups—adorable and easy to serve!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Approximate values for a standard serving (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind, the values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Make It Your Own: Variations to Try
This dessert is highly customizable. Try some of these fun twists:
- Chocolate banana pudding: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- Berry medley: Mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries.
- Healthier version: Use low-fat milk, Greek yogurt in place of whipped cream, and sugar-free pudding.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or cookies.
5 Popular FAQs About Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Can I make strawberry banana pudding in advance?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better when made a day in advance. This gives the wafers time to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- How long does banana pudding last in the fridge?
It will keep well for up to 3 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown and the texture can become overly soft.
- Can I freeze banana pudding?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture changes significantly upon thawing, and the fruit may become mushy.
- What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
You can substitute with graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even sponge cake pieces for a unique twist.
- Can I use cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought whipped topping works fine. Just make sure to fold it in gently to keep the texture light.
Conclusion
This classic strawberry banana pudding recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a moment of joy, a taste of childhood, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing it with guests, your kids, or enjoying it solo with a spoon, it’s a treat that delivers creamy comfort in every bite.
With its simple ingredients, no-bake preparation, and rich, fruity flavor, this dessert easily earns its place in your recipe rotation. So grab those bananas and strawberries, and whip up a bowl of this heavenly pudding. You deserve something sweet—and this one’s worth every spoonful.
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