Description
Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy, no-bake Southern classic with a fruity twist—layers of vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and juicy strawberries. It’s crowd-pleasing, make-ahead, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, and Sunday suppers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled & sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Whipped cream
- Extra strawberry slices or banana coins
Instructions
- Make pudding: In a large bowl, whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk for ~2 minutes until thick. Rest 5 minutes to fully set.
- Fold in topping: Gently fold whipped topping into pudding until smooth; stir in vanilla extract if using.
- Layer: In a trifle bowl or 9×13 dish, layer vanilla wafers (bottom), then sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, and a generous layer of pudding mixture. Repeat, ending with pudding on top.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight best) to let flavors meld and wafers soften.
- Garnish & serve: Top with extra whipped topping, crushed wafers, and fresh fruit slices just before serving.
Notes
- Best flavor & texture: Use ripe bananas (no green tips). Slice bananas just before layering. Chill overnight for cake-like wafer layers.
- Layering tips: Fold whipped topping gently to keep the pudding airy. Add a splash of lemon juice to strawberries if you like a slight tartness.
- Serving ideas: Show off layers in a trifle dish; portion into mason jars for parties; garnish with mint leaves or graham crumbs.
- Storage: Refrigerate covered up to 3 days; not recommended to freeze. Add final garnish right before serving.
- Variations: Swap in blueberries/raspberries; use banana pudding mix; add a middle layer of crushed Nilla wafers; homemade whipped cream; drizzle condensed milk or strawberry syrup between layers.
- Avoid: Underripe bananas, skipping chill time, overmixing whipped topping, using warm milk, assembling too far ahead if browning worries you.
- FAQs: Frozen strawberries? Drain well if using. Homemade pudding? Yes—chill first. Dairy-free? Use dairy-free milk/pudding & coconut whip. Gluten-free? Use GF cookies and check pudding mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layered
- Cuisine: Southern American