Strawberry Banana Pudding
Published Sep 20, 2024
Updated Dec 11, 2024
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This Strawberry Banana Pudding is one of the best summer desserts you could ever think of. This classic dessert is created from fresh bananas and strawberries layered with a creamy pudding and topped with a dash of vanilla wafer cookies.
Oh, and it takes only 10 minutes to make! Itโs a little less heavy than the conventional layered pudding dessert, and yet, itโs irresistible!
Are you looking for more no-bake/no-cook instant dessert recipes? Try out my Mixed Berry Parfait and Mango Cream.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
What could be better than the classic banana pudding? But this version is fresh and light for the summer! Starting with the richest, creamiest vanilla pudding base you can imagine, fresh strawberries and bananas transform it into a truly fruity treat you will never get tired of.
Perfect for a crowd at your next outing, it is a delicious twist on ordinary pudding. Convenience items such as whipped topping and instant pudding make preparation very easy and quick.
To enhance the color on top and provide an extra boost of antioxidants, add a single layer of sliced strawberries and bananas.
You will love this no-bake fruit dessert because it does not involve any cooking. It is very easy to make and can be prepared in almost no time, perfect for the summer season or when you have less time on hand.
Why Youโll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
- This strawberry banana pudding is easily digested, very creamy, and has a very natural fruity taste. I must say it is going to be on heavy rotation for me this spring/summer because it is delicious and amazingly simple to whip up! This pudding is spot on if you love trifle desserts like I do.
- To add a protein boost and make the pudding slightly creamy, half of the pudding is created using milk and the other half is made using Greek yogurt. The yogurt makes the pudding incredibly creamy and fluffy, and it gives the pudding a few additional grams of protein per serving. The thing is, you wonโt even notice that Greek yogurt is there!
- This sweet snack is satisfying and filling, as it contains 4 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein per serving.
- Plus, it takes the least amount of time to prepare! It takes just a couple of minutes to make because the instant pudding mix gets thick very fast, and all that is needed is to slice the fresh fruit and start to layer. This is perfect for birthday celebrations, picnics, or any time you feel like indulging in a sweet dessert.
- In addition, you can prepare this pudding into personal servings by creating layers directly in a mason jar with a tight lid.
Everyone in your home will enjoy this banana strawberry pudding recipe โ now, here are the essential ingredients!
For optimal performance, use freshly sourced quality ingredients. Ripe bananas and fresh strawberries are best for a better taste and texture of the dish. Using fresh ingredients also enhances the quality of the dessert with natural sweetness and bright flavor rather than artificial sweeteners. Remember to chop the fruits shortly before placing them in the pudding to prevent them from getting spoilt.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the main elements of this recipe that you should know.
Here are some notes on key ingredients:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: To make this pudding a bit higher in protein, I mix in Greek yogurt. It offers just enough creaminess to avoid a strong yogurt flavor.
- Milk: It is entirely up to you what kind of milk you would like to use.
- Whipped Topping: Depending on your preference, you may use the normal Cool Whip or the sugar-free Cool Whip. You can also add whipped cream on top of your dessert.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: I sometimes use the sugar-free one if I am trying to reduce the amount of added sugar, but you can also use the regular one. You may also try the different flavors!
- Fresh Banana Slices and Strawberry Slices: As for the ingredients list, you will also need to have sliced strawberries and bananas.
- Vanilla Wafer Cookies: You will also need vanilla wafer cookies to top your dessert! You can get any brand you come across or like.
There are other ingredients needed in this recipe. Please do not forget to look at the recipe card below. There, you will find a detailed list of all the ingredients and their measurements.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe Variations
Strawberry banana pudding can be prepared in numerous ways depending on your preferred taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Opt for Different Flavors: You can try a different flavor of pudding, such as butterscotch or even chocolate!
- Change Sequence: Although it is common to fold the whipped topping and the pudding together, do layers between your pudding and fruit arrangement (if you are layering ahead).
- Make a Trifle: Replace the crushed vanilla wafer cookies with pieces of the traditional pound cake and serve the strawberry banana pudding in a trifle bowl.
- Incorporate a Salty Element: To incorporate salty and crunchy textures, add crushed hard pretzels with every layer in the process.
Substitutions
No need to worry, if you do not have all the ingredients present now! Here are a few substitutions that will work just as well:
- Use Different Fruit: If you don’t have strawberries or bananas on hand, you can even incorporate different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: If vanilla-flavored pudding is not available, you can add banana or strawberry-flavored pudding mix to enhance the different flavors.
- Vanilla Wafers: If you don’t have vanilla wafers, go for Graham crackers or ladyfingers instead.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk, can be used.
Love bananas? Also check out my Banana Chia Pudding.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding
Step 1: Make the Pudding
In a medium bowl, stir the Greek yogurt, milk, and vanilla pudding until well incorporated. Allow it to set for around 5 minutes or depending on the time required for the pudding according to the package.
Step 2: Add Whipped Topping
After that, fold the whipped topping into the pudding and mix gently until well combined.
Note: If preparing this in advance, I suggest layering the pudding and whipped topping separately, with layers of whipped topping in between layers of pudding for best results. In this way, the pudding will remain โset.โ
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Place the vanilla pudding in the bottom of the dish or trifle bowl.
Add a layer of strawberries and bananas, then more pudding, strawberries, and bananas. Smooth out the pudding mixture using a rubber spatula.
Just keep adding layers of ingredients to the bowl until it is full.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Top with a layer of crushed vanilla wafer cookies and additional whipped topping if preferred.
Love strawberries? Also, check out my wonderful No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream and Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.
Let the pudding sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for a better taste and for the wafers to become soft.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Banana Pudding
- My strawberry banana pudding was made with vanilla-flavored instant pudding mix because banana pudding normally uses this kind of pudding mix. You are more than welcome to use a different flavor pudding mix, though! Other flavors that would be suitable for this pudding include strawberry, banana, or cheesecake.
- When layering the pudding, ensure each layer is applied uniformly. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the dessert but also ensures every spoonful has the perfect balance of each ingredient. A transparent dish is recommended to display the layers.
How to Store Leftovers
To store, transfer the strawberry banana pudding to a serving dish, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one to two days.
Alternatively, transfer individual portions into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator.
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If you make this recipe please leave a star rating below. Your rating helps others find the recipe plus I love hearing from you! Thank you!
Strawberry Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1ยฝ cups milk
- 3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix sugar-free or regular
- 1ยฝ cup whipped topping Cool Whip or Tru Whip sugar-free or regular
- 4 bananas sliced
- 16 oz. strawberries sliced
- ยผ cup vanilla wafer cookies crushed
- Extra cookies or whipped topping for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, milk and vanilla pudding mix them until well combined. Allow it to set for 5 minutes or as stated in the pudding package.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1ยฝ cups milk, 3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix
- Then, fold in the whipped topping in the pudding mix until nicely combined.1ยฝ cup whipped topping
- Choose a big transparent dish or trifle bowl and scoop layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, alternated with layers of pudding, strawberries, and so on, until the trifle bowl is full.4 bananas, 16 oz. strawberries
- Lastly, garnish with the crushed vanilla wafer cookies and even additional whipped topping if preferred.ยผ cup vanilla wafer cookies
Notes
- If the pudding becomes too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If preparing it ahead of time, I suggest assembling the pudding and whipped topping separately, then putting layers of whipped topping between the pudding layers for best results. This will allow the pudding to remain โset.โ
