Strawberry Banana Pudding

If you love strawberries and bananas, this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe is a must-try! Combining layers of fresh fruit, creamy pudding, and classic vanilla wafers, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a great dessert to bring to a potluck, this recipe delivers the best results every time.

Not Your Ordinary Banana Pudding

In the South, we take our banana pudding seriously. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners.

This recipe puts a fresh twist on the classic banana pudding, elevating it with layers of sweet strawberries and creamy pudding. With each bite, you’ll taste the love and care that goes into making this Southern favorite, but with a burst of fresh flavors that make it anything but ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

This strawberry banana pudding recipe is one of my favorite things to make because it’s so versatile and simple.

With a prep time of just a few minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a creamy dessert that’s sure to impress.

Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh fruit in a sweet, layered treat. Whether you serve it in a square pan or a trifle bowl, it’s always a hit.

Why This Recipe Works

This dessert combines the creamy texture of pudding layers with the freshness of real strawberries and bananas, making it a family favorite.

The combination of instant vanilla pudding mix and half and half creates a rich and velvety pudding base, while the vanilla wafer cookies add a satisfying crunch.

What You’ll Need for this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

You’ll need the following ingredients:

Vanilla Wafers- There are regular or “original” vanilla wafers, and many brands also offer a mini version. Either will work, but I find the original size wafers are easier to layer.

Pudding- Vanilla pudding is used in this recipe. You’ll want to make sure that the package that you have is an instant pudding mix.

Half and Half- This is to be used in place of the cold milk that packaged pudding mixes call for. If the brand of pudding mix that you have calls for another measurement other than the cups that this recipe does, use the amount of milk that your mix calls for.

Strawberries- fresh strawberries are needed for this recipe. Remove the stems, wash, and thoroughly dry.

Bananas- Look for ripe bananas that are mostly yellow, and still firm. You’ll want them to be ripe, but not so ripe that they’re beginning to turn mushy!

Whipped Topping- Commonly referred to as its brand name “Cool Whip”. This will be in the freezer section at the grocery store. You can also make your own, if preferred.

You will need the following supplies:

Mixing Bowl- you’ll need a large mixing bowl to mix everything up.

Whisk or Mixer- You can use a whisk to mix by hand or use handheld or stand mixer. Just be sure not to over mix, and only mix to combine.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board- To slice the strawberries and bananas.

9 x 13 dish- you’ll want to use a deep 9 x 13 dish.

Plastic wrap– This will be used to cover the dish in the refrigerator. If you have a dish with a lid, that works even better!

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and half and half. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix for a couple of minutes until smooth. Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 2

Add in the thawed whipped topping and whisk until well blended, to create a fluffy pudding base.

Step 3

In a 9×13 dish, arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of the dish. Spoon a thin layer of the pudding mixture over the wafers and spread evenly. Add another layer of wafers on top of the pudding layer.

Add a layer of banana slices and fresh strawberries on top of the pudding. Repeat the layers: vanilla wafers, pudding, banana slices, and strawberries until all ingredients are used.

Step 4

Crush any leftover cookies and sprinkle them on the top of the pudding. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight.

Step 5

Before serving, garnish with additional fresh strawberries and bananas for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Success:

• Prevent Oxidation: Toss banana slices in a small bowl with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning, or brush the lemon juice on with a pastry brush.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and ripe bananas ensure the best flavor. Avoid frozen fruit as it releases too much moisture.
• Alternative Layers: Swap vanilla wafers with graham crackers or ladyfingers for a twist on the original recipe.
• Try a Trifle Bowl: For a stunning presentation, layer the ingredients in a trifle dish or individual mason jars for single servings.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover strawberry banana pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the creamy texture and cause the fruit to become mushy.

FAQs

Can I freeze Strawberry Banana Pudding?

Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the pudding and cause the bananas to become mushy.

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of vanilla wafers?
Yes, graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or ladyfingers are great alternatives.

What type of bananas works best?
Use ripe but firm bananas to ensure sweetness without becoming overly mushy.

Can I use frozen strawberries and bananas?

Unfortunately, no. Frozen fruit just won’t work in this recipe. Frozen fruits release excess moisture as they thaw. Even if you were to thaw and drain frozen strawberries and bananas to try in this recipe, the texture would be altered and result in a mushy consistency.

Can I use a trifle dish instead of a 9×13 pan?
Yes, a trifle dish is a great alternative to a 9×13 pan. Just layer the ingredients as you would in a 9×13 dish, but be mindful of the trifle dish’s size, as it may hold a bit less.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin this recipe card for later and share it with friends who love strawberries as much as you do!