Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is like a picnic in a dish — cool, creamy, and bursting with fruity goodness. It takes me right back to those childhood Sunday potlucks, where someone always brought a big dish of layered pudding, cookies, and fruit, and it vanished before you could blink.

My mom made a version of this when I was little, and I’d always sneak a bite from the fridge before dinner. Those soft Nilla wafers soaking up all that vanilla pudding, the ripe bananas, and a kiss of strawberry? Pure joy. The best part is, it’s nearly effortless. A few ingredients, a little layering, and into the fridge it goes.

So grab a big spoon and a dish to layer in — you’re about to make a chilled dessert that tastes like summer in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert Recipe

• A no-bake wonder: No need to turn on the oven. Perfect for warm days or when you want dessert without the fuss.
• Family-friendly layers: Creamy pudding, sweet bananas, soft cookies, and juicy strawberries — every spoonful is a little party.
• Make-ahead magic: Preps in minutes and tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for gatherings or meal-prep desserts.
• Customizable ingredients: Use fresh strawberries or pie filling, swap the cookies or the pudding flavor — the possibilities are endless.
• Nostalgic comfort: This is the dessert people remember. It’s familiar, delicious, and always leaves you wanting another scoop.

Ingredients for This Recipe

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix: The creamy, dreamy heart of this dessert.
• 2 cups cold milk: Whisks up light and fluffy with the pudding mix.
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping: Adds that soft, airy finish to the pudding.

For the Fruit and Cookie Layers:

• 1 box Nilla wafers: Sweet, soft, and perfect for soaking up all that flavor.
• 2 bananas, sliced: Ripe and sweet, these bring that banana cream pie vibe.
• 1 cup strawberry pie filling or chopped strawberries: Adds a ruby red, fruity layer of goodness.

How to Make This Recipe

Prepare the Pudding Layer:

1. Whisk the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thick and smooth.
2. Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding until fully combined and fluffy.

Build the Layers:

1. Start with cookies: Line the bottom of a serving dish with a layer of Nilla wafers.
2. Add bananas: Place a layer of banana slices over the cookies.
3. Spread the pudding: Spoon and smooth half the pudding mixture over the bananas.
4. Add strawberries: Spread half the strawberry pie filling or chopped strawberries over the pudding.
5. Repeat: Add another layer of cookies, bananas, pudding, and strawberries.
6. Top with wafers: Finish with a few Nilla wafers on top for decoration and crunch.

Chill and Serve:

1. Refrigerate: Chill the dish in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the layers can set and meld together.
2. Scoop and enjoy: Serve with a big spoon and a smile — it’s creamy, fruity, and totally irresistible.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Use ripe but firm bananas: Too ripe and they’ll get mushy; too green and they won’t be sweet enough.
• Chill time matters: Give it at least 2 hours in the fridge. Overnight is even better for flavor blending.
• Swap the fruit: Try blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for a fresh twist.
• Make individual servings: Layer in mason jars or cups for cute, portable portions.
• Garnish before serving: Add fresh mint, crushed cookies, or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving for extra flair.

Proper Storage

• Counter Storage: Not recommended. This dessert contains dairy and fruit, so it needs refrigeration.
• Refrigerator Method: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cookies will continue to soften as it sits.
• Freezer Option: Not ideal. Freezing changes the texture of the pudding and fruit, making it less pleasant when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free vanilla cookies instead of Nilla wafers.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based milk and whipped topping. Make sure your pudding mix is dairy-free.

Creative Twists:

• Chocolate lovers’ version: Use chocolate pudding and chocolate cookies with bananas for a decadent twist.
• Tropical vibe: Add sliced mango or pineapple along with the bananas.
• Lemon berry version: Swap vanilla pudding for lemon and add blueberries and raspberries.

What Goes with This Recipe

• Iced tea: Sweetened or unsweetened, it’s a refreshing match.
• Coffee: A creamy dessert like this pairs beautifully with a strong cup of joe.
• Fresh fruit salad: Keep it light with a side of more fresh fruit.
• Pound cake: Serve a slice alongside the pudding for extra indulgence.
• Whipped cream: A cloud of homemade whipped cream makes this even more heavenly.Meal-Prep Magic
• Make-ahead win: Assembled the night before? Even better.
• Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The bananas might brown slightly but it’ll still taste amazing.
• Transport tip: Use a travel-safe dish with a lid and bring extra wafers for crunch topping on-site.

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Use sugar-free pudding: Lighter, but still delish.
• Whipped topping alternatives: Try stabilized whipped cream or coconut whipped topping.
• Whole grain or gluten-free cookies: Tons of options now that taste just like the classics.
• Fresh strawberries only: Skip the pie filling for fewer added sugars.

Leftover Remix

Not that you’ll have leftovers… but if you do:

• Pudding parfaits: Layer into breakfast jars with yogurt and granola.
• Smoothie boost: Add a scoop into your morning smoothie for creamy fruit flavor.
• Pudding pops: Freeze spoonfuls in molds with a popsicle stick—summer treat!

Gift It Like a Pro

Bring this to:

• Baby showers: Pink, pretty, and perfectly on theme.
• Birthday brunches: Layer in a trifle bowl with candles for a no-bake cake vibe.
• New moms and neighbors: Sweet, light, and comfort-filled.

Tie a ribbon around a mason jar version and you’ve got a love-packed, no-fuss gift.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge. You can prepare it the night before.

Can I use frozen strawberries? You can, but thaw them first and drain any excess juice so the dessert doesn’t get soggy.

What’s the best dish to serve this in? A glass trifle dish shows off the layers, but any deep serving dish will do.

How long does it last in the fridge? Up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first 24–48 hours while the bananas are still fresh.

Can I make this without bananas? Absolutely. Just skip the bananas and double up on the strawberries or use another fruit you love.

Final Thought

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is a creamy, nostalgic treat that brings a little joy to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that disappears at gatherings and has folks asking for the recipe. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a summertime potluck, this dessert hits the sweet spot every time.

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