The Ultimate Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet summer memories bloom with every spoonful of this creamy strawberry banana pudding that brings comfort and joy to the table.

Layers of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries dance between velvety vanilla pudding and soft, pillowy cookies.

Each bite tells a story of simple pleasures and delightful combinations.

The dessert whispers nostalgia with its classic charm and elegant simplicity.

Fresh ingredients meld together in a symphony of flavor that feels both familiar and exciting.

Smooth, luscious, and utterly irresistible, this pudding promises to become your new favorite summer treat.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable spoonful.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Tips and Tricks

• Select ripe, bright red strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your pudding.
• Dust cornstarch evenly when creating the slurry to ensure smooth thickening without lumps in the strawberry mixture.
• Create even, consistent layers by using a spoon or spatula to spread each component gently and carefully for a beautiful presentation.
• Chill mixing bowls and beaters before whipping cream to help it hold peaks and maintain a light, airy texture.
• Prepare the dessert a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Flavorful Ways to Change Up This Pudding

• Tropical Paradise Pudding: Replace strawberries with diced mango and pineapple for a vibrant, tropical-inspired dessert with a sunny flavor profile.
• Chocolate Berry Delight: Swap angel food cake with chocolate pound cake and add cocoa powder to the pudding mixture for a rich, decadent chocolate version.
• Gluten-Free Berry Dream: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers and almond flour cake instead of traditional cookies and angel food cake to create a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Banana Cream Pudding: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, silken tofu, and plant-based condensed milk for a completely dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.

Serving Strawberry Banana Pudding with Style

• Sweet Berry Bliss: Pair this luscious strawberry banana pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Brunch Sensation: Serve as a delightful dessert during weekend gatherings, complementing mimosas and light breakfast fare.
• Elegant Presentation: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of crushed shortbread cookies for a sophisticated touch.
• Summer Party Delight: Create mini individual servings in clear glass cups to showcase beautiful layered textures and colors at outdoor events.

Best Storage for Strawberry Banana Pudding

• Store the strawberry banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully transfer pudding to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing due to cream and fruit components.
• Move frozen pudding to the refrigerator and let it defrost slowly for 4-6 hours. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
• For best results, enjoy chilled. If warming is preferred, microwave individual portions in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to maintain even temperature and prevent separation of cream layers.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to prevent the mixture from becoming too watery.

• Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Substitute the angel food cake and cookies with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers to create a gluten-free version.

• How can I prevent the pudding from becoming runny?

Ensure you cook the strawberry mixture until it thickens properly with the cornstarch slurry, and make sure to fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture to maintain its structure.

Reasons to Love Strawberry Banana Pudding

• This strawberry banana pudding brings everyone together with its irresistible layers of creamy goodness and fruity sweetness.
• Swap out ingredients or adjust quantities to match your taste preferences, making it a flexible dessert for any occasion.
• Skip the oven and enjoy a simple, no-cook recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for beginner cooks and busy households.
• Create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made but is actually super simple to prepare, guaranteeing compliments from family and friends.

Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding Bliss

• Angel Food Cake: A light and airy cake that provides a soft foundation for the dessert.
• Chessmen Cookies, Vanilla Wafers: Crisp cookies that add a delightful texture and subtle sweetness to the layers.

• Strawberries: Fresh berries that create a vibrant and tangy fruit layer in the dessert.
• Lemon Juice: A bright citrus element that enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a subtle tang.

• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that creates a light and fluffy texture when whipped.
• Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy ingredient that provides depth and richness to the pudding.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A sweet and creamy component that adds richness and sweetness to the mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that brings warmth and depth to the dessert.

• Sugar: A sweetener that balances the tartness of the strawberries.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps set the strawberry mixture.

Tools to Whip Up Strawberry Banana Pudding

• Large Mixing Bowls: Essential for preparing strawberry mixture and pudding base.
• Saucepan: Perfect for cooking strawberries and creating the fruit mixture.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for whipping cream and beating cream cheese smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend cornstarch slurry and mix ingredients evenly.
• Trifle Dish or Serving Glasses: Ideal for layering and presenting the dessert.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing strawberries and preparing cake pieces.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping bowls clean.

Step-by-Step Strawberry Banana Pudding Method

Step 1: Create Strawberry Sauce

Grab a medium saucepan and toss in fresh strawberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, watching as the strawberries release their ruby-red juices and start to bubble.

Stir in a cornstarch slurry to help the sauce thicken beautifully.

Once it reaches a glossy, jam-like consistency, remove from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Layers

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms luxurious peaks.

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

Pour in sweetened condensed milk and a dash of vanilla extract, mixing until everything blends perfectly.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a cloud-like texture.

If you’re using pudding mix, now’s the time to incorporate it.

Step 3: Build Your Dessert Masterpiece

Select a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses.

Begin by creating a foundation of angel food cake pieces.

Sprinkle a layer of Chessmen cookies and vanilla wafers for extra crunch.

Spread a generous layer of the creamy pudding mixture, then top with the cooled strawberry sauce.

Repeat these layers, making sure to end with a luxurious pudding topping.

Step 4: Chill And Serve With Flair

Tuck your dessert into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This resting time allows all the flavors to dance and mingle.

Just before serving, add a flourish of fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream to make your dessert look as amazing as it tastes.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Scrumptious strawberry banana pudding offers a delightful Southern dessert combining creamy layers with fresh fruit. Sweet vanilla custard and ripe bananas create a classic comfort treat you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) strawberries, sliced
• 2 bananas, sliced (optional)

Dairy and Cream:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) whipped cream cheese
• 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups (360 – 480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, whipped until thickened

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 lemon, juice
• 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Chessmen cookies
• Vanilla wafers
• Angel food cake pieces (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: instant pudding or homemade pudding for added richness

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Instructions

1. Prepare the strawberry compote by combining sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until strawberries release their juices and begin bubbling. Stir in cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
2. Create the creamy pudding base by whipping heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and velvety. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a light, airy texture.
3. Begin layering the dessert in a trifle dish or individual serving glasses. Start with a base of angel food cake pieces, then add a layer of Chessmen cookies and vanilla wafers. Spread a generous portion of the cream cheese pudding mixture over the cookies. Spoon the cooled strawberry compote evenly across the layer.
4. Repeat the layering process, alternating between cake, cookies, pudding, and strawberry compote. Ensure the final layer is the creamy pudding mixture for an elegant presentation.
5. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for 4-6 hours or preferably overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Notes

• Substitute ripe bananas for added natural sweetness and creamier texture, ensuring they’re not overripe to maintain structural integrity.
• Use sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or stevia for diabetic-friendly modifications, adjusting quantities to match desired sweetness level.
• Consider gluten-free options by replacing angel food cake and cookies with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour cookies or gluten-free graham crackers.
• Prevent strawberry mixture from becoming watery by cooking at precise medium heat and stirring consistently to help cornstarch activate properly and thicken evenly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg