Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

This recipe describes how to make “Strawberry Banana Pudding,” a classic Southern dessert with a fruity twist. It layers creamy vanilla pudding, crisp vanilla wafers, sliced fresh bananas, and a vibrant strawberry topping, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The image shows a generous serving being scooped from a large pan, revealing the distinct layers of pudding, wafers, and luscious red strawberry sauce, all topped with a uniform layer of vanilla wafers. This no-bake dessert is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting treat, especially when chilled.

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Pudding Layer:

• 2 (3.4-ounce or 96g each) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 cups (960ml) cold milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 1 (8-ounce or 226g) package cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 (14-ounce or 396g) can sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra sweetness and thickness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)

For the Fruit and Wafer Layers:

• 4-5 ripe but firm bananas, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 (11-ounce or 312g) box vanilla wafers (such as Nilla Wafers)
• 1 (15-ounce or 425g) can strawberry pie filling or strawberry topping
  • Alternatively for homemade strawberry topping:
    • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced or diced
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Equipment:

• Large serving dish (approx. 9×13 inch) or trifle bowl
• Large mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer (optional, for cream cheese/sweetened condensed milk)

Instructions:

Part 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

1. Whisk Pudding Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set further.
2. Add Optional Creaminess (if using): In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined and smooth. Fold in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Pudding and Cream Cheese Mixture (if using): Gently fold the prepared instant vanilla pudding into the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk mixture until thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a richer, more stable pudding. If not using cream cheese/condensed milk, proceed directly with the whisked pudding.

Part 2: Prepare the Strawberry Topping (if making homemade)

1. Cook Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the strawberry mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Part 3: Assemble the Strawberry Banana Pudding

1. First Layer of Wafers: Spread a single layer of vanilla wafers evenly across the bottom of your large serving dish or trifle bowl.
2. First Layer of Bananas: Arrange half of the sliced bananas evenly over the layer of vanilla wafers.
3. First Layer of Strawberry Topping: Drizzle about half of the strawberry pie filling (or homemade strawberry topping) over the bananas. The image shows streaks of red strawberry.
4. First Layer of Pudding: Carefully spread about half of the prepared vanilla pudding mixture over the strawberry layer, ensuring it covers the fruit and wafers completely.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers:
   • Another layer of vanilla wafers.
   • The remaining sliced bananas.
   • The remaining strawberry pie filling (or homemade strawberry topping).
   • The remaining vanilla pudding mixture.
6. Final Wafer Topping: For the top layer, arrange a final, visually appealing layer of vanilla wafers over the pudding. You can place them in a neat pattern as seen in the image.

Part 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the pudding to set completely and the vanilla wafers to soften, absorbing the flavors of the pudding and fruit.
2. Serve: Serve chilled. Use a large spoon or serving spatula to scoop generous portions, making sure to get all the layers.

Tips for Success:

• Ripe Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas. Overly ripe bananas can become mushy, while under-ripe ones won’t have enough sweetness.
• Prevent Banana Browning: To prevent banana slices from browning, you can lightly toss them in a tablespoon of lemon juice before layering, although for a quickly consumed pudding, this might not be strictly necessary.
• Chill Time is Crucial: Do not skip the chilling step. It’s essential for the pudding to set and for the wafers to soften to the perfect cake-like consistency.
• Vanilla Wafer Alternatives: While Nilla Wafers are traditional, you can experiment with other plain butter cookies or shortbread cookies for a different texture.
• Fruit Variations: This recipe can be adapted with other fruits. While strawberry is featured here, a classic banana pudding would only use bananas, or you could use peaches similar to a peach cobbler or even a mixed fruit version like a Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
• Dessert Comparison: Banana pudding is a type of layered dessert, often compared to trifles or even some types of cheesecakes that use a cookie crust and creamy filling, like White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake or White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies.
• Pudding Base: If you prefer a completely homemade pudding, you can make a cooked vanilla custard from scratch, but instant pudding makes this recipe quick and easy.
• Serving Presentation: For individual servings, you can assemble the pudding in clear glasses or smaller ramekins to show off the layers, similar to the presentation of peach cobbler.
• Richness: The addition of cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk makes for an incredibly rich and decadent pudding, similar to the depth of flavor found in a Pound Cake or Peach Cobbler Pound Cake.