Delicious Strawberry Banana Pudding: A No-Bake Delight!

Introduction

Classic banana pudding is a cherished Southern dessert, known for its creamy layers and comforting sweetness. This recipe offers a delightful twist, infusing the beloved treat with the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. Our no-bake Strawberry Banana Pudding is creamy, refreshing, and incredibly easy to prepare. It is the perfect cool dessert for warm weather gatherings or simply a sweet treat at home.

According to food historians, the first official recipe for banana pudding appeared in an 1888 publication in Massachusetts, and the dessert’s association with the Southern United States developed more strongly after World War II. Learn more about the history of banana pudding.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding

Single serving of strawberry banana pudding on a white plate

This incredible no-bake dessert is a must-try for many reasons:

Easy, No-Bake Preparation: Forget the oven! This recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort.
Irresistible Flavor Combo: Enjoy the best of both worlds with a perfect blend of sweet strawberries and classic bananas.
Rich, Creamy Texture: Layers of velvety pudding and whipped cream cheese create an incredibly smooth mouthfeel.
Impressive Layered Dessert: It looks stunning in a trifle bowl, making it ideal for entertaining.
Perfect for Gatherings: This delightful Strawberry Banana Pudding serves a crowd and is always a hit!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious Strawberry Banana Pudding:

2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk (whole, oat, or almond)
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
8 oz softened cream cheese (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
2 boxes vanilla wafers
2 ripe bananas, sliced (optional)
1 box Chessman cookies (optional, for garnish)
16 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
2/3 cup granulated sugar

Notes & Substitutions

Use instant vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix for the best flavor. Cold milk is crucial for the pudding to set properly; whole milk yields the creamiest result, but oat or almond milk also work. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps in your mixture.

For Cool Whip, you can substitute an equal amount of freshly whipped cream, but Cool Whip provides excellent stability. If using bananas, select ripe but firm ones to avoid a mushy texture.

Equipment

You will need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe:

Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Serving dish (9×13 inch baking dish or a trifle bowl)
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Full dish of strawberry banana pudding topped with strawberries and cookies

Creating this delightful dessert is straightforward. Follow these steps for the perfect Strawberry Banana Pudding:

Prepare Strawberry Mixture: Begin by thinly slicing your fresh strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar. Gently mix them together. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for at least one hour. The longer the strawberries macerate, the more delicious syrup they will release, intensifying the flavor of your no-bake dessert.
Make Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant pudding mix with the two cups of cold milk. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the pudding to set properly. This step is essential for a firm base.
Whip Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and fluffy. Carefully spoon two tablespoons of the strawberry syrup from your macerated strawberries into this mixture and beat gently to incorporate. Then, gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip with a rubber spatula until no streaks remain. Finally, fold in three additional tablespoons of strawberry syrup and two tablespoons of the macerated strawberry slices.
Combine Pudding & Cream Cheese: Retrieve your thickened pudding from the refrigerator. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the prepared vanilla pudding. Use a rubber spatula and fold carefully to maintain the airy texture of the Cool Whip. Continue folding until the mixture is smooth and has a uniform, pale pink color.
Assemble First Layer: Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom of your 9×13 inch serving dish or trifle bowl. You may need to break some wafers to fit them snugly. Evenly spread about one-third of the combined pudding and cream cheese mixture over the wafers.
Add Fruit and Repeat: Lightly crush another handful of vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the pudding layer. Next, arrange a layer of your macerated strawberries (reserving some for garnish) and the sliced bananas (if using) over the crushed cookies. Add another layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers twice more, ensuring you have three full layers of wafers, fruit, and pudding. Always end with a smooth layer of the creamy pudding mixture on top.
Chill Pudding: Once all layers are complete, cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place the Strawberry Banana Pudding in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, chill it overnight. This extended chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vanilla wafers to soften into cake-like layers.

Proper food safety guidelines, such as those recommended by the FDA, are important to follow when preparing and storing desserts with fresh fruit and dairy. Review food safety for desserts.

Decorate and Serve: Before serving, remove the plastic wrap. Garnish the top of your strawberry banana pudding with additional fresh strawberry slices, the remaining macerated strawberries, a drizzle of the reserved strawberry syrup, and whole Chessman cookies or extra vanilla wafers. Slice and serve this delightful dessert!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Perfect Pudding: Always use cold milk and whisk vigorously for the recommended time to ensure your pudding sets correctly.
Creamy Texture: Room temperature cream cheese is vital. It blends smoothly, preventing any lumps in your luscious filling.
Prevent Soggy Cookies: Chilling your Strawberry Banana Pudding overnight is crucial. This allows the wafers to absorb moisture and soften perfectly without becoming mushy.
Flavor Boost: Macerate your strawberries for at least an hour, or even longer, for a more intense strawberry syrup and flavor.
Folding Technique: When combining mixtures, use a gentle folding motion with a rubber spatula. This preserves the airiness from the Cool Whip, resulting in a lighter texture.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Close-up strawberry banana pudding in a dish with cookies, bananas, and strawberries

Serving Suggestions: This Strawberry Banana Pudding is beautiful served family-style in a large dish or trifle bowl. For individual portions, layer it into small glass cups. Garnish each serving with a fresh strawberry or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage: Store any leftover pudding tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s delicious the next day, the bananas may start to brown slightly.

Make Ahead: This is an excellent make-ahead dessert! Prepare it the day before serving to allow all the flavors to fully develop and the wafers to soften.

Variations:

Cookie Swaps: Experiment with Nilla Wafers, graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even Nutter Butters for a different crunch.
Fruit Additions: Introduce other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even sliced peaches for a summer twist.
Pudding Flavors: Swap out vanilla for chocolate or cheesecake instant pudding mix to create a new flavor profile for your strawberry banana pudding.

Nutrition Information

This Strawberry Banana Pudding provides a sweet indulgence. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	343 kcal
Serving Size	1 serving

Disclaimer: These are estimated values and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of freshly whipped cream. Just ensure it’s well-stabilized to prevent the pudding from becoming too runny.

Why is my pudding runny?

A runny pudding often results from not using cold enough milk or not whisking the pudding mix long enough. Always follow package directions for setting.

Can I omit bananas from this strawberry banana pudding?

Absolutely! If you prefer a pure strawberry experience, simply leave out the sliced bananas. The dessert will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This no-bake Strawberry Banana Pudding truly combines ease with irresistible flavor. It’s a simple yet spectacular dessert, blending creamy vanilla layers with the freshness of strawberries and bananas.

Perfect for any occasion, it is sure to become a family favorite. Give this refreshing recipe a try and share your delightful creations with us! We can’t wait to hear how much you loved it.