If you love classic banana pudding, get ready for a delicious fruity upgrade with this strawberry banana pudding recipe! This dessert layers fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and soft vanilla wafers, all topped with a fluffy whipped cream topping. The sweetness of ripe bananas and the tangy freshness of strawberries add the perfect balance of flavors, making this pudding even more irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it for family gatherings, summer cookouts, or a holiday dessert, this easy no-bake strawberry banana pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s refreshing, creamy, and bursting with fruity goodness—perfect for any occasion!
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Strawberry banana pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, summer picnic, or holiday feast, this creamy, fruity pudding is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of soft vanilla wafers, rich pudding, and layers of fresh fruit creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s light enough to serve after a big meal, yet decadent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, since this no-bake dessert can be made ahead of time, it’s a great option for busy hosts who want a stress-free yet impressive dish to serve guests.
One of the best things about homemade banana pudding with strawberries is that it’s so easy to customize. While the classic version calls for vanilla pudding and wafers, you can easily switch things up to create new and exciting variations. For a richer twist, try layering chocolate pudding with the bananas and strawberries for a “chocolate-covered strawberry” flavor. If you’re a fan of nutty flavors, a drizzle of almond butter or crushed pecans between layers adds a satisfying crunch. The options are endless, allowing you to tailor the pudding to your personal taste or special dietary needs. No matter how you make it, this strawberry banana pudding will always bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Why This Strawberry Banana Pudding Stands Out
What makes this strawberry banana pudding recipe special is the contrast of flavors and textures in every spoonful. The vanilla pudding is silky smooth, offering the perfect creamy base to soak into the soft wafers. The bananas add a natural sweetness, while the strawberries introduce a slight tartness that brightens the dish. Unlike traditional banana pudding, which can sometimes feel overly rich, the addition of strawberries balances out the sweetness and makes the dessert feel lighter and more refreshing. This makes it perfect for warm-weather occasions, like BBQs, summer potlucks, and birthday parties.
Another great feature of this strawberry banana pudding is its ability to be made ahead of time. In fact, the longer it chills, the better it tastes! As the pudding sets in the refrigerator, the flavors meld together, the wafers soften slightly, and everything turns into a perfectly cohesive dessert. If you love extra-soft, cake-like textures, let it sit overnight for the ultimate creamy bite. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit of crunch, assemble it just a couple of hours before serving so the wafers retain some crispness. Either way, it’s a low-effort, high-reward dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
No-bake and super easy to make – A simple mix-and-layer dessert.
Creamy, fruity, and delicious – A perfect balance of flavors.
Make ahead-friendly – Tastes even better after chilling.
Perfect for parties and gatherings – A guaranteed crowd favorite!
Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding
This easy homemade banana pudding recipe gets a fruity upgrade with fresh strawberries. Here’s what you’ll need:
The Pudding Layers:
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz whipped topping)
The Layers:
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers (or graham crackers/ladyfingers)
For Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped, optional)
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- Extra strawberry and banana slices for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding
1: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding
- In a large bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the pudding mixture (or use store-bought whipped topping for a shortcut).
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the pudding to thicken.
2: Assemble the Layers
- In a trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual cups, spread a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas followed by sliced strawberries.
- Spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture evenly over the fruit.
- Repeat the layers: wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until the dish is full.
3: Add the Final Touches
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers for crunch.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry and banana slices.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding
Use ripe bananas – They should be sweet but not overly soft.
Chill overnight – This makes the pudding extra creamy and flavorful.
Dip bananas in lemon juice – Prevents browning.
Use homemade whipped cream – For an extra rich and creamy texture.
Variations & Customizations
🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding for a decadent twist.
🥜 Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
- Drizzle melted peanut butter between layers for extra richness.
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Banana Pudding
- Use pound cake or shortbread cookies instead of vanilla wafers.
🍯 Healthier Banana Pudding
- Swap Greek yogurt for condensed milk and use honey instead of sugar.
What to Serve with Strawberry Banana Pudding
🍪 With extra vanilla wafers – For scooping!
🍫 Drizzled with chocolate sauce – A rich flavor boost.
🥭 With fresh tropical fruit – Mango or pineapple pair beautifully.
☕ Alongside coffee or tea – A perfect afternoon treat.
How to Store Strawberry Banana Pudding
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as the bananas and pudding may become watery after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! Just let it cool completely before assembling.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
Try graham crackers, ladyfingers, or shortbread cookies.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 32g
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Fruity Dessert!
This strawberry banana pudding is the perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and sweet. With layers of vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, bananas, and crunchy wafers, it’s a refreshing take on the classic banana pudding recipe.
Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a weekend treat, this easy no-bake dessert will have everyone coming back for more! 🍓🍌💕
Would you try this fruity twist on banana pudding? Let us know in the comments! 😊