Strawberry banana pudding is a delicious twist on the classic banana pudding dessert. With layers of fresh strawberries, bananas, and vanilla wafers soaked in rich vanilla pudding, this version adds a fruity, refreshing flavor to a nostalgic favorite. The combination of sweet bananas and tart strawberries provides a perfect balance of flavors, while the creamy pudding adds a luscious texture to every bite.

This easy-to-make dessert is great for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave something sweet, fruity, and comforting. Whether you’re a fan of the classic banana pudding or looking for a fresh new take, this strawberry banana pudding will become a favorite!

What is Strawberry Banana Pudding?

Strawberry banana pudding is a layered dessert that combines the elements of a traditional banana pudding but adds fresh strawberries for an extra pop of flavor. The base typically includes vanilla wafers or ladyfingers, which soak up the pudding, creating a soft, cake-like texture. In between, you’ll find layers of vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and juicy strawberries. It’s all topped with whipped cream or meringue for a light, airy finish.

This fruity dessert is simple to prepare and can be served either warm or chilled. It’s perfect for warm summer days or when you need a dessert that will please a crowd.

Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding

You only need a few simple ingredients to create this delicious dessert. Most of these are pantry staples, while the fresh fruit brings the dish to life.

For the Pudding Base:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for enhanced flavor)

For the Layers:

• 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers or ladyfingers
• 2 cups whipped cream or cool whip for topping

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent banana slices from browning)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Banana Pudding

Follow these easy instructions to create your own strawberry banana pudding. It’s quick to assemble and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for parties or family desserts.

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. You can also add vanilla extract to the mixture for an extra boost of flavor. Set the pudding aside to rest and thicken further for 5 minutes.

If you prefer to make your own homemade pudding, you can replace the instant pudding with a cooked vanilla custard made from scratch. However, for ease and quick preparation, the instant version works perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

While the pudding thickens, slice your bananas and strawberries. If you’re worried about the bananas turning brown, toss the slices lightly with lemon juice. This will keep the bananas looking fresh and vibrant. Slice the strawberries thinly, removing the green stems. Set the fruit aside for layering.

Step 3: Layer the Dessert

In a large trifle dish, a 9×13-inch baking dish, or individual serving cups, start layering the ingredients. Begin by spreading a thin layer of vanilla pudding at the bottom. This will help the first layer of wafers or ladyfingers stick to the dish.

Next, add a layer of vanilla wafers or ladyfingers, arranging them in a single layer. Top this with a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries, then spread another layer of the vanilla pudding over the fruit. Repeat the layers: wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until you reach the top of your dish.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping

Once all your layers are complete, finish with a generous layer of whipped cream or cool whip on top. You can smooth it over the pudding or make decorative peaks with the back of a spoon. For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a few crushed vanilla wafers on top, or add fresh strawberries for a garnish.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Strawberry banana pudding is best when it has time to chill, allowing the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly. Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, before serving. This will give you a perfectly creamy texture and balanced flavors.

When ready to serve, scoop out portions with a large spoon, or if you used individual cups, simply grab and enjoy. Garnish with fresh mint or additional strawberries if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding

To ensure your pudding turns out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Ripe Bananas and Fresh Strawberries

For the best flavor, use bananas that are just ripe—yellow with a few brown spots. Overripe bananas will become mushy and may not hold their shape, while underripe bananas will lack the sweetness you want in the dessert. Fresh strawberries should be bright red and firm, but not too hard.

2. Toss Bananas in Lemon Juice

To prevent the banana slices from browning, lightly toss them in lemon juice before layering them into the pudding. The lemon juice won’t affect the flavor, and it will keep your bananas looking fresh and appetizing.

3. Let the Pudding Chill

Chilling the pudding is crucial to allow the flavors to develop and the wafers to soften. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours will give you a creamy, well-set pudding that’s easy to serve. For the best results, prepare the dessert the night before serving.

4. Customize Your Layers

You can get creative with the layers by adding different textures and flavors. For example, you can sprinkle chocolate chips, add a layer of nutella, or mix in crushed graham crackers for more crunch. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to make it your own!

Variations of Strawberry Banana Pudding

Strawberry banana pudding is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

1. Chocolate Strawberry Banana Pudding

For a rich, decadent twist, try adding layers of chocolate pudding or drizzling melted chocolate over each layer. You can also sprinkle in mini chocolate chips between the layers for added texture and chocolatey goodness.

2. Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Pudding

Mix cream cheese into the vanilla pudding for a tangy, cheesecake-like flavor. Simply blend 4 oz of softened cream cheese into the pudding mixture before layering. This adds richness and transforms the dish into a creamy strawberry banana cheesecake pudding.

3. Coconut Strawberry Banana Pudding

For a tropical twist, add coconut flakes to your layers or substitute coconut milk for regular milk in the pudding mix. The coconut pairs beautifully with the fresh fruit and gives the dessert a light, summery flavor.

4. Vegan Strawberry Banana Pudding

To make a vegan version of this dessert, use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and a vegan pudding mix. Replace the whipped cream with coconut whipped cream or any non-dairy alternative. You can also use vegan vanilla wafers to keep the dessert fully plant-based.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does strawberry banana pudding last?

Strawberry banana pudding will last in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, the fruit may start to break down, and the texture won’t be as fresh.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Strawberry banana pudding is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly. Make the pudding a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze strawberry banana pudding?

While freezing isn’t ideal due to the fresh fruit and whipped topping, you can freeze individual servings if needed. Keep in mind that the texture of the fruit and whipped cream may change once thawed, becoming slightly watery. If you plan to freeze the pudding, omit the whipped topping and add it fresh before serving.

4. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade vanilla pudding if you prefer. A cooked custard pudding will add extra richness and depth to the dessert. However, instant pudding is a quicker and easier option that still tastes delicious.

5. What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?

If you don’t have vanilla wafers, you can substitute them with ladyfingers, graham crackers, or shortbread cookies. Each will give the pudding a slightly different texture but will still taste delicious with the strawberry banana combination.

Conclusion

Strawberry banana pudding is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s creamy, fruity, and full of refreshing flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a delicious result every time.

With layers of fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, soft vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding, this dessert has something for everyone. You can customize it with different variations to suit your taste, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Next time you’re in the mood for a fruity dessert, give this strawberry banana pudding recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite!